Sisters’ €4m redress to child abuse victims

THE Presentation Convent in Maynooth was founded almost two centuries ago – on October 6, 1823 – but the number of Sisters remaining has fallen dramatically, and the majority of its ageing population now live in the town, rather than the convent. In recent years, the Congregation has sought to offer redress to child abuse victims. A spokesperson for the Department of Education told the Irish Mail on Sunday that in addition to contributions made by the Presentation Sisters under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement following the publication in 2009 of the Ryan Report, the Congregation offered an additional voluntary cash contribution of €4m to the State, as well as a property at Fethard, Co. Tipperary. The cash contribution of €4m has been received and the transfer of the property is nearing completion. The Department did not detail if the cemetery land close to the convent is being sold.