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 for his views on whether the Caranua appeals process is in crisis with decisions taking over 12 months to process; and if the part-time appeals officer’s role will be included in the terms of reference for the review into the scheme.

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Richard Bruton): The independent Appeals Officer is appointed under section 21 of the 2012 Act. The Appeals Officer has dealt with 195 cases to date. 2016 saw a significant increase in the number of appeals rising from 89 in 2015 to 165 in 2016. Unfortunately, the increased volume has led to a delay in the processing of appeals. I am conscious of the need to deal with appeals promptly and officials from my Department are exploring a number of options including the appointment of more than one appeals officer. I don’t intend to include the appeals officer’s role as part of the review of Caranua.