The Government is working on the basis that it will need up to €1 billion to provide even “modest redress” to survivors of mother and baby homes as it presses church leaders to make significant contributions to a scheme. The preliminary calculation by officials comes as the Government sets the ground for what are likely to be difficult and complex talks with Catholic Church and Church of Ireland leaders. “You’re talking about up to €1 billion and that would be for modest redress,” said a person involved in the preparations. Such a sum would be in addition to the estimated €1.5 billion cost to date of other church redress schemes. Asked whether Catholic leaders would make a financial contribution, a spokesman said a meeting with Mr O’Gorman was agreed with no date yet fixed.

Source: The Irish Times April 17, 2021 00:19 UTC