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

Supplementary Welfare Allowance Eligibility

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if the redress awarded to a person from the Residential Institutions Redress Board should be included in a means assessment for a supplementary welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Regina Doherty): The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.

Social welfare legislation provides for the disregard of certain compensation awards, including awards by the Residential Institutions Redress Board when assessing the means of a person for social assistance schemes including supplementary welfare allowance.

If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case he should bring the details to the attention of the Department. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills when home modifications will be carried out for a person (details supplied); if the application adviser assigned to this person’s case has made contact with builders and others that would be contracted to carry out these modifications in view of an occupational therapists report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 to oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of survivors of institutional child abuse. The processing of individual applications is a matter for Caranua itself and I have no role in that process. My officials have requested Caranua to examine the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to her as soon as possible.