Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2015
518. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the complaints and appeals service operated by Caranua is robust and sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42600/15]
View answerCaranua is an independent statutory body established under the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012.
I understand that Caranua has a Customer Service Charter and Feedback and Complaints Policy which may be accessed on the organisation's website (www.caranua.ie). The website allows applicants to provide feedback, submit comments and make formal complaints in cases where there is dissatisfaction with the quality of service provided.
Decisions of Caranua may be appealed to the independent Appeals Officer appointed under section 21 of the 2012 Act. Since his appointment in February 2014 the Appeals Officer has received 117 appeals of which 87 have been concluded. The 2014 annual report of the Appeals Officer is in the public domain and may be accessed on both my Department's website (www.education.gov.ie) and on Caranua's website.
I should point out that Caranua comes within the scope of the Ombudsman Acts 1980 to 2012 and its administrative actions are subject to review by the Ombudsman.
I am satisfied that there are sufficient options available for applicants to Caranua to appeal decisions if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of their applications.
