Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
515. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to review the current eligible services that survivors of institutional abuse may currently apply for through Caranua, such as funeral and burial services, for survivors as well as their spouses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33074/15]
View answer516. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 972 of 9 June 2015, the date on which she requested Caranua to set out its case for the proposed expansion of approved service classes in accordance with the Act; if she has received a response on this from Caranua; the details of the case made; and the date on which she plans to address the necessary changes. [33075/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.
Section 8 of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act, 2012 sets out the classes of services from which approved services can be determined by Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board. In accordance with section 8(3), I can prescribe additional classes of service following a recommendation of the Board of Caranua or following consultation with it. Any such regulations require a positive motion of both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Caranua raised the issue of expanding the classes of approved service to include additional services, such as funerals, with me by way of a letter dated 21 October 2014. In accordance with the Act, when making such recommendations, Caranua shall have regard to the likely effect of the provision of the service on the health and general well-being; the personal and social development; the educational development or the living conditions of former residents as well as the need for minimum standards to be met by approved service providers.
In a letter of 4 November 2014 I requested Caranua to set out the case for the proposed expansion of approved service classes in accordance with the Act and I will consider the matter further on receipt of its response.
