The Taoiseach says he cannot force the religious orders to make a contribution to the redress scheme for those in the Magdalene Laundries. It comes after the four orders of Catholic nuns refused to contribute to the fund.

It is expected to be between €34 and €58 million.

The religious orders responsible for running the Magdalene Laundries - the Mercy Sisters, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, the Sisters of Charity, and the Good Shepherd Sisters - said yesterday they would not contribute to the fund set-up to compensate survivors.

However it is believed the orders will assist the government in assembling records and they will continue to look after former residents who remain in their care.

Under the terms of the scheme announced last month, individual payments will range from between €11,500 and €100,000. The package was designed based on the recommendations of High Court judge Mr. Justice John Quirke.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter had said in June that he hoped the orders would contribute to the fund though the government has also accepted responsibility for sending women to the homes.

The Sisters of Mercy welcomed the scheme when it was announced and said they were considering availing of it.

Catholic priest Fr. Paddy Byrne told Lunchtime here on Newstalk that the religious orders involved in running the Magdalene laundries should make any funds that they can available to the redress scheme.

Enda Kenny has told the Dáil he is not going to get into a fight with the orders over the money as the survivors do not have time on their side.