Published Wednesday, 27 May 2009
On Tuesday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen called for the 18 congregations shamed in the Ryan inquiry to stump up more money and open new talks on how they can pay.
The Christian Brothers, the worst offenders in church-run institutions, were the first to say they will review how much more compensation they can offer to victims of abuse.
It is understood that the order could hand over properties worth tens of millions of euros after they offered to consult with government officials and enter into a six-week consultation process.
In a statement they said: "The Christian Brothers accept, with shame, the findings of the Commission...The congregation is deeply sorry for the hurt we have caused - not just for the mistakes of the past, but for the inadequacy of our responses over recent years."
The Nuns from the Sisters of Mercy also indicated they will look at a possible new redress scheme.
'Traumatic time'
"We look forward to considering ways of addressing the very serious issues that are now before us," the Sisters of Mercy said.
"This is a profoundly traumatic time for people who were abused in residential care. We will continue to be part of the search for ways of bringing healing to the suffering of people who were with us as children."
A spokesman for a third order, the Oblates, which ran the notorious Daingean Reformatory in Co Offaly, said Brothers from the congregation were examining their response to the Taoiseach's initiative.
It is understood they will also agree to look for a new deal.
A controversial agreement to support victims of institutional clerical abuse was struck in 2002 but it forced the 18 orders to hand over property and cash worth only €127m.
The total redress bill is estimated at more than €1.2bn.
An assistant Garda commissioner has also been appointed to examine the potential for future prosecutions.