Vol. 561 No. 4
278 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if the writer of correspondence (details supplied) is entitled to apply to the redress board; if Bethany House will be included in the list of institutions by the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4490/03]
The Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that a person, who as a child was resident in one of the institutions named in the Schedule to the Act, and who has or has had injuries that are consistent with abuse received while so resident, can make an application to the Residential Institutions Redress Board.
The list contained in the Schedule to the Act is not exhaustive and further institutions and homes can be added as they are identified in accordance with section 4(1) and (2) of the Act. Bethany House is one of a number of homes which are being considered in this regard.
It is my intention that a draft order will be prepared and will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas in the near future for their consideration and approval as is required by the Act. When the order has been approved a person who was resident in any of the additional institutions can make an application to the Residential Institutions Redress Board in accordance with the terms of the Act.
