Congratulations on your story exposing the huge amounts of money received by the select solicitors representing former residents of institutions to the Redress Board.

It is truly astonishing that solicitors can earn vast amounts of money from the taxpayer.

I have read journalist Herman Kelly's new book, Kathy's Real Story, subtitled 'A culture of false allegations exposed' and have been both impressed by the facts he has amassed, and the logical arguments he has put forward, and the people's stories he has told to show how the Redress Board has created a huge train of injustice. The Irish taxpayer has been left to pick up a huge bill of over €1.1bn while the easy money from the Redress Board, allied to the low level of proof and public cross-examination required, has induced some people to accuse innocent people of abuse. Kelly's book brings this abuse of human rights into clear view, exposing one of the greatest scams and scandals this state has ever been involved in. It suits both the state and religious orders to hush this matter up quickly and quietly. They have also supported a culture of dependency and a "cottage industry" of support by financing some groups. But after years of experience helping fellow former residents of industrial schools, I can tell you the findings Kelly makes are absolutely true. It is about time the media cracked open the 'the culture of false allegations' which the Redress Scheme has encouraged. Your story on solicitors' fees for Redress work is an eye-opener and a very welcome start.

Tom Hayes,

Castle Gardens,

Richhill, Co Armagh.