Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013
73. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the appointments to the Residential Institutions Statutory Board in 2012; when the applications to the RISB will be processed and allocated to survivors of residential institutional child abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17444/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI appointed the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board with effect from 25th March 2013. A copy of the Press Release issued, with the members' details, is being forwarded to the Deputy. The Board will oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of some 15,000 survivors of institutional child abuse. Supports across a range of services, including mental health services, health and personal social services, education and housing services will be available. The Board held its inaugural meeting on 27th March and has commenced work on the arrangements to be put in place for the operation of the Fund. Further publicity will be undertaken as the work of the Board progresses and a website with detailed information on the Fund's services will be developed. While the tasks facing the Fund are significant, I am confident that it will make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of the survivors of institutional abuse.
