Audit should reveal orders’ true assets

THE decision by 18 religious congregations involved in the abuse compensation deal to carry out a detailed audit of their wealth, and to make this information public and transparent, is a welcome development.

This initiative will help shed light on whether the religious orders could contribute more than the €127 million agreed under the controversial compensation deal with the Government.

While it is unlikely to explain the motives behind the Government’s sweetheart pact with the orders, it should reveal the true state of their assets and property holdings.