Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 to oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of survivors of institutional child abuse.
Section 3 of the 2012 Act allows for a former resident to nominate a person to submit an application on his or her behalf. Applicants who wish to avail of this facility fill in and sign a 'Nominated Person' form and I understand that it is Caranua's practice to speak with the applicant directly before interacting with the 'Nominated Person'. Of the 3,423 applications received to-date by Caranua, 172 applicants (5%) are using a Nominated Person.
I am advised that Caranua is aware of the potential for fraud in relation to the Nominated Persons facility and other aspects of its application process, and that it has in place appropriate operating procedures in relation to the administration of applications.
If the Deputy is aware of suspected fraudulent activity, I would ask him to contact Caranua directly so that the organisation can investigate this matter and take appropriate action.