Below are questions asked by TDs in Dáil Éireann, relating to Caranua

Caranua services

Deputy Sandra McLellan   asked the Minister for Education and Skills   the redress services that are being offered by Cara Nua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10075/14]

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn):   The Residential Institutions Statutory Fund, which uses the service name Caranua is an independent statutory body under the aegis of my Department, established to oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of some 15,000 survivors of institutional child abuse. Those former residents who received awards from the Residential Institutions Redress Board or equivalent Court awards or settlements eligible to apply to Caranua. To date some €74.8 million, comprising contributions of some €73.4 million and associated interest has been lodged to the investment account established by the National Treasury Management Agency on behalf of the Fund. Caranua published its criteria and guidelines and commenced accepting applications in January of this year. Those eligible can apply for approved services across a range of services, including mental health services, health and personal social services, education and housing services. I understand from enquiries made by my officials that Caranua has now received almost 2,000 applications since January 6th when it began to accept them. The first part of the application process is to verify that an applicant is actually eligible to apply. Once this has been confirmed applicants are then appointed an advisor. The role of the advisor is to provide any necessary assistance to the making of an application for services and to issue second stage application forms and this process is in train. Further information regarding Caranua’s services is available on its website www.caranua.ie.