Emmet Stagg
Ceist:271 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when hearings will commence under the Residential Institutions Redress Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6475/03]
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
The Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 was signed into law by the President on 10 April 2002. The purpose of the Act is to set up a framework to enable victims to apply for compensation. The Act provides for the establishment of the Residential Institutions Redress Board to administer a scheme that will enable victims of institutional abuse to make applications for compensation.
The Residential Institutions Redress Board is independent of my Department and I am therefore not in a position to indicate when the board will begin its first hearing. I am aware that the board has undertaken an advertising campaign informing possible applicants that application forms and a guide to the application process are available from its offices in Clonskeagh.