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Parliamentary Questions – 16th May 2017

Below are questions asked in the Oireachtas, relating to Caranua and other areas relevant to survivors

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 219 of 9 May 2017, in view of the fact section 7 (7) of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 states that Caranua may enter into contracts with persons with the approval of the Minister, if he has had discussions with the board of Caranua regarding the accommodation arrangements of that organisation and future accommodation arrangements, including the estimated costs of such accommodation.

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): My Department is aware of Caranua’s need to source alternative office premises and has had discussions with it in that regard. However, as I noted in my previous reply it is Caranua’s responsibility to procure its own accommodation and meet any related expenses. A request for ministerial consent in relation to aspects of Caranua’s relocation to new office premises is being dealt with under section 7(7) of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012.

Departmental Properties

Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the arrangements the OPW has with Caranua regarding office accommodation; the terms and duration of the lease of offices from the OPW; if that lease will be renewed on those terms; and, if not, the reason therefor.

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Seán Canney): The Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) advise that when CARANUA was established in 2013, the Commissioners were requested by the Department of Education and Skills to provide accommodation for this body. At the time, the Commissioners were able to offer accommodation in the leased property portfolio in Frederick Court as a temporary measure and CARANUA was willing to pay rent for that space.

The lease on Frederick Court is scheduled to expire this year and as such all occupants will be vacating the building. The Commissioners are facilitating CARANUA and have offered space in a newly leased building and CARANUA has agreed to pay rent for the space it will occupy.