Six of the properties yet to be given to the state are valued at €4.9 million GETTY IMAGESReligious orders still have to transfer 19 properties to the state as part of their contribution to a redress scheme for the victims of abuse. Yesterday the Dáil public accounts committee was told that six of the lands still outstanding date back from an agreement reached between the government and congregations in 2002. At the time 18 religious orders signed an indemnity agreement to contribute cash, property and counselling services totalling €128 million after the abuse of children in industrial schools, reformatories and other residential institutions. Seán Ó Foghlú, secretary-general of the Department of Education, said that the six outstanding properties were valued at €4.9 million. He told the committee that good progress had been made since his previous appearance before the PAC six months…

Source: The Times November 17, 2017 00:03 UTC