Clodagh Finn: Negotiating with religious bodies is treating them with kid gloves

That those negotiations are necessary at all underlines the shameful reluctance of church leaders, religious congregations, and lay Catholic organisations to face up to the systemic abuse inflicted over several decades

 Sheila Nunan will hold confidential discussions with church institutions, seeking a “meaningful contribution” towards a €800m redress scheme that compensates just some of the survivors of mother and baby institutions.  Picture: Eoin O'Conaill/BBC 

We might start on a positive note. The appointment of an expert negotiator to discuss financial redress with religious bodies is welcome.

Sheila Nunan, former president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), will hold confidential discussions with church institutions, seeking a “meaningful contribution” towards a €800m redress scheme that compensates just some of the survivors of mother and baby institutions.