The Christian Brothers in Ireland have announced they will pay $250 million in restitution for child sex abuses that happened in their schools and institutions.

In a statement, the order said they agreed to the sum after the publication of the Ryan Report into sex abuse in Irish religious institutions. The Christian Brothers were widely considered among the worst offenders.

"We understand and regret that nothing we say or do can turn back the clock for those affected by abuse," the order's officials said.

'Our fervent hope is that the initiatives now proposed will assist in the provision of support services to former residents of the institutions as well as the facilities, resources and scope to protect, cherish and educate present and future generations of children.

"The range of measures follow the Christian Brothers' acceptance, shame and sorrow at the findings of the Ryan Report,."

The inquiry into abuses by priests in the Archdiocese of Dublin is expected to be published on Thursday. This report is said to outline a horrific series of incidents involving some members of the clergy and underage children in the Archdiocese.