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	Fresh Calls to Revise Abuse Compensation Levels The Kerryman May 21, 2009 http://www.kerryman.ie/breaking-news/national-news/politics/fresh-calls-to-revise-abuse-compensation-levels-1747556.html The Government today faced calls to revise its capped compensation scheme for thousands of victims of clerical child abuse. A deal struck by the Fianna Fail-led coalition in 2002 limited the amount religious orders would pay at ˆ127 million, but the state could end up paying 10 times that amount. The cabinet will hold a special meeting next Tuesday to discuss the damning findings from yesterday's five-volume Ryan Inquiry on decades of physical, sexual and emotional abuse in institutions run by religious orders. But Tanaiste Mary Coughlan refused to confirm if a revised compensation deal would be on the table. A full Dail debate is also timetabled for the week following the local and European elections. "This report poses issues for the state on how the state discharged its responsibilities, it poses issues for religious orders and it poses issues for our wider society," Ms Coughlan said. "I believe we should carefully reflect on its contents." The special cabinet meeting has been arranged for ministers to discuss the recommendations, existing child protection policies and what improvements can be made. More than 5,000 children are in care in Ireland today with about 90% living in foster families. Children's Minister Barry Andrews said the state has taken control of 61 properties from religious orders. "If there is a moral obligation that is something the church should discharge themselves," he told RTE Radio. "I have no difficulty in sharing the sense of outrage that all of us have. "I think that the church have acknowledged and apologised for all of this and I think you are talking about a moral obligation."
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