A number of religious groups have been defending their contribution to the cost of the child abuse redress scheme.

It follows reports that just 13% has been received, of the promised 50-50 compensation split with the State.

The Christian Brothers say they are on course to fulfilling their voluntary pledge with €24m paid already and another €10m on the way.

The Sisters of Mercy says it has honoured all of its commitments. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who managed St Conleth’s Reformatory in Daingean on behalf of the state until 1971, says it paid its voluntary contribution in full in 2013.

Initial estimates placed the cost of the redress scheme at €250m. However, the final bill is more than €1.5bn.