European Court of Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Ceisteanna (548)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

548. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 127 of 11 November 2020, the persons undertaking the review of the ex-gratia scheme established on foot of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the O’Keeffe case; when the review began; when it is expected that the review will be concluded; the terms of reference of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37002/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

As outlined in previous replies, the Department undertook a review of the scheme in response to a determination by the Independent Assessor, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill that one of the criteria for eligibility is incompatible with the ECtHR judgement.

The review which commenced during 2019 is being conducted by officials from my Department in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.

The terms of reference were to review the operation of the ex gratia scheme to determine whether it should be re-opened and what criteria should then apply for people to be eligible for the scheme.    

It is expected that the review has yet to be concluded.