Damages call for abuse victims

IRISH leaders declared yesterday that the Catholic orders responsible for abusing children in schools must pay a greater share of compensation for victims and reveal the scope of their assets.

Prime minister Brian Cowen has demanded face-to-face negotiations with all 18 orders involved in decades of abuse.

"We have to ascertain how much they actually have. The government is adamant and determined they will make an appropriate contribution," defence minister Willie O'Dea said.

Mr Cowen said the congregations of Catholic brothers and nuns must face up their own moral responsibility to do more, particularly by funding counselling and education services.

He noted that one order heavily implicated, the Christian Brothers, had already pledged to search for "surplus" funds.

"I believe the other congregations involved should now also articulate their willingness to make a substantial voluntary contribution," Mr Cowen said.