Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2021
114. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education the amount that is covered in legal fees for those making an application under the ex-gratia scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53459/21]
View answerA revised ex gratia scheme to implement the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgement relating to childhood sexual abuse in day schools is now open for applications. The Scheme provides for the payment of €84,000 to applicants and up to €4,000 in legal costs in respect of the application. The amount of legal costs to be paid is agreed between the solicitor and the Scheme Administrator and is intended to cover the costs incurred in making the application.
In addition, there is a provision in the Terms of the Scheme for an independent Costs Accountant to determine legal costs if the parties (solicitor and Scheme Administrator) cannot reach agreement.
