Labour slams 'con job' compensation deal
The Labour Party has criticised the Government for agreeing to pay the majority of compensation awards arising from abuse committed by the clergy in residential institutions.
Under a deal reached with the last Government, the Catholic Church agreed to hand over money and property to fund a proportion of the compensation.
The taxpayer will pay the remainder of the compensation through the Residential Institutions Redress Board.
Labour spokesman Joe Costello said this could cost the Irish State hundreds of millions of euros which should be paid by those responsible rather than the innocent taxpayer. He described the Government's deal with church authorities as a "con job" which allowed the clergy to shirk their responsibilities.
