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

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme Eligibility

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding funding from Caranua; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The eligibility requirements in relation to applications to Caranua (the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund) are set down in Section 3 of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. Under the legislation, only those former residents, who received awards from the Residential Institutions Redress Board or equivalent Court awards or settlements for the abuse they suffered in institutions which were listed in the Residential Institutions Redress legislation, can apply for services to Caranua.

This approach was taken having regard to the maximum funds available of €110 million and a potential pool of some 15,000 applicants.

Decisions regarding individual applications, including decisions regarding the eligibility of applicants, are a matter for Caranua and neither I nor my Department have any role in the process.

Appeals against decisions of Caranua may be made to the independent appeals officers appointed by me. The Appeals Officers are independent in the performance of their functions and I, as Minister, have no role in the appeals process. Persons who are dissatisfied with decisions of an appeals officer may appeal that decision to the High Court on a point of law.