The 4 religious orders responsible for running the Magdalene Laundries have told the government they won't contribute to the fund set-up to compensate survivors.

The Irish Times reports that the Mercy Sisters, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, the Sisters of Charity, and the Good Shepherd Sisters have told the Justice Minister they will not pay into the fund, which could cost up to €58 million.

However, it's believed the orders will assist the government in assembling records and they'll continue to look after former residents who remain in their care.

Minister Alan Shatter is due to brief his Cabinet colleagues on the issue this morning. 

Chief-Executive of Barnardos, Fergus Finlay, says the government should insist that the orders pay compensation:

Redress scheme

Under the terms of the scheme, announced last month, individual payments will range from between €11,500 and €100,000. The package was designed based on the recommendations of High Court judge Mr. justice John Quirke.

Minister Alan Shatter had said in June that he hoped the orders would contribute to the fund, though the government has also accepted responsibility for sending women to the homes. The Sisters of Mercy welcomed the scheme when it was announced, and said they were considering availing of it.

The scheme was announced in the aftermath of Taoiseach Enda Kenny's emotional apology to survivors, on behalf of the State: