Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2017
127. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on policies implemented by Caranua, including the restricting of awards to a fixed sum, refusing claims for eligible applicants with legitimate claims and changes to criteria that were not authorised through legislation. [14288/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCaranua is an independent statutory body established under the provisions of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. Under the legislation it is a matter for Caranua itself to determine the criteria by reference to which it makes decisions in relation to individual applications and I have no role in relation to that process.
Caranua has received over 5,600 applications and has supported some 4,000 former residents-an achievement that we should not lose sight of. It is fair to say that it is now making a meaningful contribution to the well-being of many former residents.
Concerns have been expressed to me regarding aspects of Caranua’s work. Representations have been made to me and I have met with and listened to survivors. I have met with Caranua and discussed the progress the organisation is making particularly with regard to meeting clients’ needs and delivering a quality service. I have impressed on Caranua the need to operate in the best interests of its clients and am satisfied that their approach is client-centred.
Applicants to Caranua have remedies available to them, both internal and external, if they are dissatisfied with the service they have received.
The draft Terms of Reference for the proposed review of eligibility for Caranua were published on the website of the Department of Education and Skills on 15 February with a closing date of 8th March.
Once the submissions have been reviewed, the Terms of Reference will be finalised and arrangements put in place to carry out the review.
