Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

No. From the very beginning when Caranua went into the building, the Department of Education and Skills let it be known that Caranua had to pay. The fact that Caranua did not pay and allowances were made for it is to be welcomed. I have a difficulty with the fact that the official from the Department of Education and Skills sat in on the meeting on that day yet it took until 16 June and our persistence to find out the position. I still have no idea why further provision was not made for Caranua in the circumstances but that is for a different forum. I am most unhappy with the way the information has been relayed to us. I am also unhappy that rent amounting to approximately €250,000 will be taken every year, if one takes VAT into account, in a fund that was specifically set up under statutory obligations to support victims who had attended institutions. I shall leave the matter at that for today. I am most unhappy with the Department of Education and Skills and that Caranua must now pay almost €250,000 when there should be no need for it to do so. Caranua should be facilitated in appropriate buildings that are owned by the State.

Prior to Caranua being set up, a different forum existed under the direct guidance or direct-----