Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
972. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to review the current eligible services which survivors of institutional abuse may currently apply for through Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, such as funeral and burial services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21905/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 8 of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act, 2012 sets out the classes of services from which approved services can be determined by Caranua. In accordance with section 8(3), I can prescribe additional classes of service following a recommendation of the Board of Caranua or following consultation with it. Any such regulations require a positive motion of both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Caranua raised the issue of expanding the classes of approved service to include additional services, such as funerals, with me last year. In accordance with the Act, when making such recommendations, Caranua shall have regard to the likely effect of the provision of the service on the health and general well-being; the personal and social development; the educational development or the living conditions of former residents as well as the need for minimum standards to be met by approved service providers.
I have requested Caranua to set out the case for the proposed expansion of approved service classes in accordance with the Act and I will consider the matter further on receipt of its response.
