I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 377 together.
Following the Government announcement in October, I am at present looking at all the issues that arise in relation to the establishment of a body to compensate those who as children were abused while resident in institutions for which the State had regulatory or supervisory functions. This includes all of the issues the Deputy has raised, and indeed other relevant issues.
There are no plans at present to convene or to fund a meeting of survivors of child abuse generally to discuss issues relating to compensation. I believe that this is not the most effective way of ensuring that proposals are informed by the views of victims of abuse. There are, however, a number of groups working throughout the country to represent the views of survivors. Officials of my Department have recently written to these groups to inform them that a process leading to the publication of legislation on a compensation body is under way and to invite them to make submissions, either in person or in writing. In addition to representative groups, my Department and I will also consult as widely as possible with legal representatives for abuse victims.
Following the consultation process and consideration of the complex issues involved, I will present detailed proposals for the establishment of a compensation body to Government for their approval.
