Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:92 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 in view of recent events. [14380/04]
View answerTuesday, 18 May 2004
Questions (80)
Written answers
I assume the issues to which the Deputy refers relate to the recent case of a person who went on hunger strike as he was dissatisfied with the outcome of the redress process. This person has ceased his hunger strike and has taken the option of recommencing his case in the courts. The Government has agreed to do everything it possibly can to expedite a hearing and, taking into account the papers already lodged for the purpose of the civil case, has agreed that the case will proceed on an assessment of damages only basis.
The operation of the redress board and review committee must be viewed objectively and adverse judgments regarding the process should not be made on the basis of just one case. To date a total of 3,540 applications have been made to the redress board and the application process has been finalised in 1,070 of these cases. The remaining cases are at various stages of the process. This indicates a high level of satisfaction with the operation of the board and the process of redress.
In the circumstances I do not see a requirement to review legislation which is working to the benefit of the vast majority of survivors.