Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
518. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the long waiting times for in processing applications for assistance from Caranua; that there are persons waiting for over nine months for assistance; and her plans to address same. [33077/15]
View answerCaranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. Administrative issues such as those raised in the Deputy's question are day to day matters that are the responsibility of Caranua itself. Caranua commenced accepting applications in January 2014 and I am advised that to date some 5,000 applications have been received. Caranua provides updates on its website (www.caranua.ie) in regard to the number of applications received and related matters. The most recent update shows that by end August 2015, Caranua had made payments of €31m to 2,336 applicants. Caranua has assured me that contrary to what the Deputy has stated in his question there are no applicants awaiting contact from Caranua for 9 months. If the Deputy is aware of an individual applicant who may be awaiting contact for such a period of time I suggest that he raise the matter directly with Caranua.
