The first High Court case for damages for sexual abuse by a member of the Christian Brothers in the State will open on Tuesday.
A Waterford man in his mid-30s is suing the order for abuse at the hands of former brother Jack Kelly. The paedophile is serving an eight-year prison sentence for sexual abuse.
The action is being taken against Kelly and the brother provincial, Brother Anthony Mark McDonnell.
On February 1st, 1999, Kelly was sentenced to eight years. He had pleaded guilty to 51 charges of sexual assault and two charges of gross indecency, carried out over 20 years on 11 boys.
On the day of the conviction, the order issued a statement acknowledging the hurt and trauma suffered by the boys abused by Kelly.
"Brother Kelly's behaviour involved a betrayal of trust and was directly contrary to the spirit of the congregation. We condemn this behaviour completely," the statement said. "The Christian Brothers wish to extend to the victims their profound regret at what has happened."
The solicitor for the Waterford man, Mr Michael Lanigan, confirmed that the case for damages would be proceeding.
Other cases are also pending.