IRELAND
Irish Examiner
30/11/05
By Harry McGee, Political Editor
STATE inquires into sexual abuse of children by priests in the Ferns Diocese has cost the State a total of €2.4 million to date.
Tánaiste and Health Minster Mary Harney has informed Labour Party finance spokeswoman Joan Burton that the costs of the inquiries into abuse in the Diocese had reached €2,379,264 as of this month.
However, invoices for legal representation have also been received from the Diocese of Ferns and from one other individual.
The Government has not made a decision on the contentious matter of paying costs to the Diocese.
Ms Harney said the Cabinet had sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter and would make a final decision “in due course.”