Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2004
107 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis on which he has excluded abuse in the context of foster case from the remit of the redress board; and if he has plans to alter the legislative arrangements for the consideration of allegations of child abuse. [17024/04]
View answerThe Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 was enacted to provide a mechanism for former residents of industrial schools, reformatories, orphanages, children's homes and in certain situations special schools and hospitals to obtain redress for injuries they suffered while so resident and avoid having to engage in protracted court cases which could result in further trauma for victims.
During the passage of the legislation through both Houses the issue of including children who were in foster care was discussed and it was decided not to extend the legislation, as children in foster care were not in a residential institution.
Unlike residential care, there was no significant number of people claiming abuse or indications that fosterage was generally abusive. As there was no general problem in this area or any apparent systemic failure which contributed to widespread abuse in this area, I do not intend revisiting the matter and making any amendments to the legislation.
