In response to your coverage concerning the legal costs of religious congregations dealt with by the Ryan Commission (News, 7 February), The Oblates of Mary Immaculate wish to clarify that we have not and will not be seeking these costs from the state.

Indeed as far back as 2003 the Order waived our legal entitlement to costs recoverable from applicants who had instituted legal proceedings to the Redress Board.

I also wish to clarify that neither we nor our agents sought to obstruct the compilation of the Ryan Report as alleged in your editorial, which would be an offence under the Act setting up the Commission.

Last year the Oblates informed the Government of our decision to contribute a further €20m in reparation for failings on our part while managing St Conleth's Reformatory in Daingean, Co Offaly, between 1940 and 1973. Full details regarding our contribution may be viewed on our website www.oblatesai.org

The Oblates recognise the commitment in An Taoiseach's letter of 29 May 2009, to the religious congregations to establish an Independent Trust to utilise these funds.

Given the age profile of many of the people whom this Trust will aim to assist, it should be established without further delay. It should quickly, effectively and transparently utilise resources to assist in alleviating the present needs of former residents of institutions, including St Conleth's, and take into consideration those living outside Ireland.

William Fitzpatrick,

Provincial,

Oblates of Mary Immaculate,

Tyrconnell Road,

Dublin 8.