Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
411 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is a cut off date for claims to the Residential Institutions Redress Board in view of the difficulty faced by many former residents of such institutions who suffered abuse in coming forward and in view of the fact that many such victims who are now living in the UK might not even had their attention drawn to their entitlement to seek compensation. [29717/04]
View answer412 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if efforts will be made to inform former residents of industrial schools who were victims of abuse and are now living in the UK that they may be entitled to seek compensation through the Residential Institutions Redress Board. [29718/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.
The Residential Institutions Redress Act was enacted on 10 April 2002 and the board was formally established on 16 December 2002. The Act makes provision for the board to accept applications for up to three years from that date. Section 8(2) of the Act provides that the board may extend this time limit at its discretion, if it considers that there are exceptional circumstances. Section 5(b) Act provides that the board shall make all reasonable efforts, through public advertisement, direct correspondence with persons who were residents of an institution and otherwise, to ensure that persons who were residents of an institution are aware of the redress board and its remit. The board commenced an advertising campaign in Ireland in December 2002 and a targeted advertisement campaign in the United Kingdom in early 2004. While the board has responsibility for making decisions on the level of advertising required, I am satisfied that it will continue to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that former residents are made aware of the redress scheme.
In devising its policies in the redress area, the Government was conscious that a significant number of former residents of institutions emigrated to the United Kingdom, particularly in the late 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Five outreach officers were appointed to existing Irish centres in the UK to appraise and advise former residents that residing there of developments relating to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and the Residential Institutions Redress Board. The outreach services, which are funded by my Department, continue to operate and provide appropriate advice about the redress board and other matters. The Department of Education and Science provides funding to a number of support groups to assist them in providing information and referral services to survivors of child abuse here and in the United Kingdom.
