Sir, - So the Church authorities cannot afford to make full recompense to victims of abuse and cannot realise the value of their land and buildings in prime locations throughout the country due to their charitable status.
Meanwhile, the housing waiting list continues to grow and demand for social housing far outstrips supply, often because of a shortage of serviced land.
With a little lateral thinking, surely a solution to both problems could be found?
For example, the Church could transfer ownership of its land and buildings to local housing associations for a nominal sum. In addition, having saved money by not having to acquire the land, the Government could set aside a sum, equivalent to the market value of the Church property at the date of transfer, as part of the proposed compensation package.
Obviously the detail would have to be worked out, but why not consider this idea? - Yours, etc.,
Kieran Hickland, Kilrickle, Loughrea, Co Galway.