Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Questions (270, 272, 275)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

270. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund board has determined the range of approved services within four classes of service stipulated in the Act, that is, mental health services including counselling and psychological support, health and personal social services, education services and housing services; the criteria by reference to which it will make decisions in respect of applications to those services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40779/13]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

272. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which funds from the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund will be released to survivors of institutional abuse; and if the board has the requisite powers to refund former residents of institutions who have expended personal funds on health and other services stipulated in the Act before or since the establishment day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40781/13]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

275. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he believes the 2012 Act establishing the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund contains the requisite powers to allow the RISF board to continue funding annually renewable life-skills courses for qualifying former residents of institutions commenced under the authority of the former Education Finance Board, the dissolved body, but not completed or renewed due to depletion of funds at that board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40784/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 270, 272 and 275 together.

It is a matter for the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund (RISF) to perform the statutory functions assigned to it. These functions include determining and publishing the approved services under section 8 of the Act and the criteria by reference to which it will make decisions in respect of applications. It is a matter for the Board to address these tasks. With regard to the provision of funding for annually renewable courses and the refunding of personal expenditure incurred by individuals, the Deputy will appreciate that these are matters for the RISF Board to consider having regard to the provisions of the legislation.