Below are questions asked by TDs in Dáil Éireann, relating to Caranua and other areas relevant to survivors

Appealing decisions

Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills what options are open to people who are not happy with the decisions that Caranua make; if she is satisfied with this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. 

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan):  Caranua is an independent statutory body established under the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012.

Decisions of Caranua may be appealed to the independent Appeals Officer appointed under section 21 of the 2012 Act. The Appeals Officer has dealt with 82 cases to date. The 2014 annual report of the Appeals Officer is in the public domain and can be accessed at www.caranua.ie.

Caranua have a Customer Service Charter and Feedback and Complaints Policy which can also be accessed on the organisation’s website. The website allows applicants to provide feedback, submit comments and make formal complaints in cases where there is dissatisfaction with the quality of service provided.

Caranua also comes within the scope of the Ombudsman Acts 1980 to 2012 and its administrative actions are subject to review by the Ombudsman.

I am satisfied that there are sufficient options available for applicants to Caranua to appeal decisions if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of their applications.