Oblates to contribute €20m to assist former residents
In response to An Taoiseach’s call, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate have informed the Government of their decision to contribute a further sum of €20m in reparation for failings on their part while managing St Conleth’s Reformatory in Daingean, Co. Offaly between 1940 and 1973. This payment is also motivated by a desire to assist in alleviating the present needs of former pupils of St. Conleth’s who are in need of help.
The Oblates recognise the commitment in An Taoiseach’s letter of May 29th last to the religious congregations to establish an Independent Trust. It is essential that such a Trust effectively and transparently utilise the resources for those in need. It is hoped that a collaborative effort can be initiated without delay to develop a consensus on the parameters and structures of the Trust and that it will include special consideration for those living outside Ireland.
The funds will be transferred on this basis by the Order, through the realisation of financial assets over the next 12 months.
A full statement of the Order’s financial position has been submitted to the Government as requested by An Taoiseach in August.
This contribution, together with previous payments made to the Faoiseamh counselling service and towards awards made by the Redress Board will amount to a total contribution in excess of €30 million by the Oblates.
Fr William Fitzpatrick, Provincial Leader of the Oblates in Ireland said: “We remain available to assist insofar as we can with the process of healing and closure. We will make every effort to identify and address more fully all of the complex issues raised in the recent Ryan Report.”