The State is close to securing property worth almost €20m from religious orders as part of the controversial deal to compensate victims of abuse.
Many properties offered by the Orders have had to be rejected.
However, the Minister for Education confirmed to RTÉ that he would insist on a cash alternative if suitable properties could not be found.
This deal, which was agreed by the last Government, involves religious orders handing over cash and property worth €128m.
In exchange, the Government gave the Orders indemnity from any future liability from victims of clerical abuse.
That deal was signed off in June last year and €41m in cash has already been handed over.
But so far not one property has been secured.
Minister confirms deal
Tonight, Noel Dempsey confirmed that his department is about to sign off on 32 portfolios, worth €19.5m. Another five properties are being discussed, worth around €10m. Eight have been rejected; these were also worth around €10m.
The second part of the deal, where properties already being used by voluntary groups or public bodies such as health boards, be handed over, is proving more difficult.
Much of this property is tied up in trusts. Twleve such properties have been offered to the State but none has been accepted.
The Minister said is he broadly satisfied with the progress of the deal to date, but would be happier if it came to a conclusion as soon as possible.
