On 3 October 2000 the Government decided in principle to set up a body to award compensation to people who suffered abuse in institutions. Since that decision officials my Department have been working, together with other relevant Departments, to bring forward a set of proposals which will provide in detail for the composition and operation of the body. Part of that process involves consultation with groups representing victims of abuse and they have been invited to meet with officials of my Department. It will also be necessary to seek the views of the commission to inquire into child abuse, to an extent that will not compromise its operation. While it is not possible to say at this stage precisely when the compensation body will be set up, I can assure the Deputy that my Department is dealing with all issues relating to the setting up of the body as a matter of high priority.
While the Deputy is correct in stating that I, as Minister for Education and Science, am a defendant in a number of High Court actions relating to past abuse it is also the case that the State generally is a defendant. If there were a conflict of interest of the kind to which the Deputy refers then the implication would be that no State body would be in a position to bring forward legislation in this matter. I am, however, completely satisfied that no such conflict of interest arises. I am also satisfied that my Department, having been closely involved from the start with the development of a programme of measures to address the needs of victims of abuse, is in the best position to bring forward the necessary legislation on a compensation body.
