3rd December, 2009
The Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy (Ireland) has written to Minister Batt O’Keeffe, T.D. advising him of the contribution that the Congregation will make by way of reparation for the suffering of children while in residential institutions within Mercy care.
The Congregation today described itself as “deeply saddened at the findings of the Ryan Report” and again wholeheartedly regrets the suffering experienced by the children in their care.
The contribution is made up as follows:
Cash of €20 million and properties valued at €107,506,800
The cash of €20 million is to be transferred to a trust for former Residents
The properties, valued at €107,506,800 are to be transferred to the State (€80,856,800)
A trust for former residents (€11,590,000) and
To voluntary groups (€15,060,000).
This contribution is in addition to a contribution already made in the sum of €33,091,114 and a commitment of €1,875,000 to Faoiseamh over the next five years.
In coming to a decision regarding this contribution, the Congregation said it attempted to be faithful to the values of reparation, reconciliation, healing and responsibility.
“It is the sincere hope and desire of the Congregation that this contribution will help towards the enhancement of the lives of former residents”, they said today.
The Congregation will immediately engage with the voluntary groups to whom it has decided to transfer properties and awaits confirmation from the Government regarding the transfer of assets to the State and to the Independent trust.
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