Richard Bruton
Ceist:211 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made by the institutional redress board; and if persons of advanced age or poor health can have their cases quickly dealt with. [22198/02]
Written Answers. - Compensation Payments.
The Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002, provides for the establishment of the Residential Institutions Redress Board. Four members have been appointed to the board to date – the chairperson, Judge Kieran O'Connor, Dr. Helen Cummiskey, Dr. Ruth Pilkington and Professor Desmond Greer. Further appointments to the board will be made as required. Office accommodation has been secured for the board at Belfield Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4. A secretary and registrar have been appointed to the board and administrative and legal teams are being assembled. The board has now set a provisional date of 2 December 2002 for formal establishment and the board has informed me that priority will be given to applications received from persons of advanced age or poor health.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:212 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on correspondence (details supplied); and if the process can be expedited especially for those who are ill or elderly. [22199/02]
The residential institutions redress unit in my Department was established to co-ordinate the Department's response to initiatives in the redress of residential child abuse. One of the functions of the unit is to assist in the establishment of the Residential Institutions Redress Board. The unit also takes particulars from persons making inquiries regarding the Residential Institutions Redress Board with the view to informing them when the board is set up. The board's legal team has met a number of solicitor firms on two occasions to update them on the progress of the board and a draft copy of the application form has been forwarded to a number of firms for their views. The board has informed me that priority will be given to persons of advanced age or poor health to have their cases dealt with as quickly as possible.