Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 May 2017
107. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the details of the bills of costs that have been submitted to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse by each of the religious congregations; the date each bill of costs was submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22513/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, established under the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act, is independent in the exercise of its functions.
I have been advised by the Commission that it is not in a position to release the information sought by the Deputy. The Commission is still pursuing legal costs and disclosure, at this point in time, of any information in relation to the amounts billed by the various religious congregations could be prejudicial to the complex negotiations currently under way in relation to outstanding third party legal costs.
In its special report No 96 titled Cost of Child Abuse Inquiry and Redress released in December 2016, the Comptroller and Auditor General reported on the global figures relating to third party legal costs. The report may be of assistance to the Deputy and can be accessed at the following link: http://www.audgen.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=2503.
