Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
100 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when he intends to introduce regulations adding to the list of institutions included under the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19493/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, 128 institutions are listed on the Schedule to the Residential Institutions Redress Act. Section 4 of the Act enables additional institutions that are identified as reformatory schools, industrial schools, orphanages, children's homes and special schools, in which children were placed and resident and in respect of which a public body had a regulatory or inspection function, to be added to the Schedule.
My Department has received correspondence from both individuals and survivor groups identifying a number of additional institutions that may be eligible for inclusion in the Schedule. Discussions have taken place between my Department and other Government Departments that may have provided a regulatory or inspection function in the operation of these facilities in order to ascertain whether these institutions are, in fact, eligible for inclusion. The initial information received in some cases was limited due to the long period that had elapsed since these institutions were closed and, therefore, the process of verifying each of these institutions has been time consuming and is continuing.
While these inquiries have not yet been completed in respect of all institutions, I am considering proposals which will enable progress to be made on those institutions in respect of which the inquiries have been completed and these proposals are at an advanced stage.
