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	Cold, Hard Cash a 'Sorry' of Sorts Irish Independent May 25, 2009 http://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/cold-hard-cash--a-sorry-of-sorts-1749850.html Words can hardly describe the sadness and depression that must be felt on contemplating the reaction to the Ryan Report on child abuse in institutions and to the overwhelming public conviction that the religious orders responsible must pay their fair share of compensation to the victims. So far, the congregations have stuck firmly to the line that their contribution should amount to only €127m. The Government has wavered, asking for a voluntary increase in the contribution and saying that legal advice prevents it from trying to renegotiate the "deal" with the orders, negotiated in 2002. That deal was negotiated by the then Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and the then Education Minister, Michael Woods. It was widely thought at the time that it would be 50-50, since Church and State were equally responsible. In the event, the institutions agreed to pay €127m, largely in property instead of cash, and the taxpayers would bear the rest of the liability, well over €1bn. Now, in the wake of Ryan, the demand for a review has grown into a clamour. And it has received support from senior and influential clergy who are deeply troubled, like all people of conscience, by the horrors and their causes, neither of which can be denied. Most significantly, public support has come from Father Tim Bartlett, an aide to Cardinal Sean Brady, and Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor. In a BBC interview, Father Bartlett put the case perfectly in the Christian context, citing "the moral duty, the obligation of natural justice and particularly the call of the Gospel". Bishop Treanor praised him for his integrity and honesty. These fine and heartfelt words made a refreshing contrast with the statement by Mr Ahern. He defended the deal made by himself and Dr Woods, and said that the institutions had no money. He also said that the land they own has little value. There is a simple answer. They should pay in hard cash instead of property. But the issues surrounding the disclosure of so many unspeakable activities are not, in the first place, about money. They are about moral duty. They are about responsibility. Our whole society, which permitted them to happen, bears some of that responsibility. The orders that ran a system which encouraged them, bear a greater share. We cannot undo the past. But we can come to terms with our own consciences. And the Government can get up off its knees.
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