Abuse victims demand fund details
VICTIMS of child abuse are to demand that the government reveals how much money the religious congregations will give for compensation and what the funds will be used for.
Discussions will take place tomorrow evening between Taoiseach Brian Cowen and a number of groups representing those who were abused. Last night the Survivors of Child Abuse (SOCA) group said details of what additional contributions the orders would be making needed to be clarified.
Campaigners for victims have said a "firm line" should be taken with the 18 congregations which signed the 2002 indemnity deal that limits the amount they pay out to €128m. The abuse bill has now grown to €1.3bn.
"It is not just the total figure that the religious are going to give but where that money is going to go and what type of restitution will be on offer for the victims," said SOCA organiser John Kelly.
Mr Cowen and his officials will meet with the abuse victims' groups tomorrow at 7pm. On Thursday the delegation will meet representatives from the 18 religious congregations which signed the deal. .
- Shane Hickey
