Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 3

Written Answers. - Compensation Payments.

Barry Andrews

Question:

91 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the work of the institutional redress board; if he has satisfied himself with the information being furnished to the solicitors acting on behalf of victims; and the time frame for the commencement of its work. [22069/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I assume the Deputy is referring to the Residential Institutions Redress Board. The provisional establishment date for it is 2 December.

It is important that the procedures and practices laid down by the board should be as sensitive and as user friendly as possible. With this in mind it has taken time to consult a number of interested parties prior to the completion of the application form and guide to the application procedure.

Information in relation to its operation under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002, has been available from my Department's residential institutions redress unit.

In relation to information being furnished to solicitors acting on behalf of victims, the board's legal advisers recently hosted meetings with solicitors representing victims.