IRELAND
Irish Independent
Cormac McQuinn
The remaining properties promised by religious orders under the redress scheme for victims of abuse should be handed over to the State in advance of the Pope’s visit, members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have said.
It comes after a report by the powerful Dáil committee criticised the Department of Education’s approach to the property transfers, saying there is a “lack of determination” to bringing the process to a conclusion.
The report also said: “After 16 years, the ongoing delay is not acceptable.”
It recommended that the department “urgently concludes the transfer of property from religious organisations”.
PAC chairman Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming said he wants to see the remaining properties transferred “fully signed and sealed before Pope Francis comes to Ireland”.
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