Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
188. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if, in light of the fact that the courts have granted interest to victims of institutional abuse who are receiving compensation, she will also consider paying interest to these victims, including to those who attended a school (details supplied) in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20302/24]
View answerWhile the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual or specific cases, I understand that he is referring to the revised ExGratia scheme which operated from July 2021 to July 2023. The ExGratia scheme was developed to implement the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgment in O'Keeffe v Ireland, which concerned sexual abuse in day schools. The scheme, which was developed in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, provides for ex gratia payments of €84,000 to be made to those who qualify to apply for the Scheme and who satisfy the criteria as set out in the Terms of Scheme. There is no provision in the Terms of Scheme to pay interest on these payments.
