Residential Institutions Statutory Fund

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017

Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Ceisteanna (214)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

214. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some applicants for the redress scheme governed by Caranua have had children born after the cessation of the Education (Former Residents of Certain Institutions for Children) Finance Board and therefore could not benefit from said fund; if he has given consideration to allowing applications on behalf of these children in the Department’s review of the applications procedure for Caranua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49058/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 provides that only those former residents who received awards from the Residential Institutions Redress Board or equivalent Court awards or settlements are eligible to apply to Caranua.  The decision to confine eligibility to former residents was taken having regard to the maximum funds available of €110 million and a potential pool of some 15,000 applicants.  As the Deputy will be aware there is a review of eligibility to apply to Caranua underway at present.  Any proposal to change the eligibility criteria would require legislation.