Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 January 2004
104 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm the percentage of the educational fund which was set up for victims of institutional abuse spent in the UK; and if he will confirm the criteria for the allocation of the educational fund as set up for those victims of institutional abuse. [255104]
View answerUnder the terms of the indemnity agreement between the State and 18 religious congregations dated the 5 June 2002 there is provision for an education fund of €12.7 million for educational programmes for former residents of institutions and their families.
A grant scheme which is administered through the National Office for Victims of Abuse, NOVA, commenced in September 2003. To date a total of €346,402.88 has issued to successful applicants. A figure of €128,088.53 has issued to applicants that reside in Britain which represents 37% approximately of the fund spent to date.
I have made arrangements for a copy of the criteria for eligibility to be forwarded to the Deputy.
