The spokesman on justice for the Conference of Religious in Ireland (CORI), Father Sean Healy, has refused to comment on the controversy surrounding the deal struck between 18 religious orders and the Government for compensation to victims of child abuse. He said he felt it was unfair that he should be asked to comment.
At a CORI conference on Europe yesterday, Father Healy told The Irish Times that CORI did not represent the 18 congregations which "did the deal". They were members, but CORI had over 150 members.
"CORI did not negotiate the deal. CORI doesn't have a deal with Government. That deal is with the 18 congregations. And I'm not in a position to speak for them. I don't represent the deal," Father Healy said.
Asked about the view that CORI was centrally involved in the deal, given that its former secretary general, Sister Elizabeth Maxwell, acted as a facilitator in negotiations between the religious and the Department of Education, Father Healy said she used to be with CORI, but was no longer.
"She was simply assisting the 18 congregations, as I understand it. I'm not in a position to talk about this because I had nothing to do with it."
Asked whether he had a view on it himself as a high-profile figure in the Church and concerned with justice, he said:
"I think in fairness I have more than enough to cover in today's conference without bringing that issue into the frame as well.
"I don't have a copy of the deal. We all know what we hear in the press. I also hear Vincent Browne giving out about it and arguing about it and disagreeing with it, about whether this deal is for €70 million or €128 million or whatever. I don't know the deal. I can have lots of views on it, but I don't represent the congregations."
When pressed, he said: "In fairness to me, is that a good question to ask me, of all people? I don't think it's fair to me to put me on the spot when I have absolutely nothing . . .
"I am extraordinarily negative about child abuse. It's something I think is an appalling issue, but it's not something I should be talking about."
