Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. As he is aware, many of the people who will benefit from the fund and who will need to avail of it are among those the State failed badly in the past. Many of them are elderly and require the type of supports that the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board is expected to provide. I have met a number of the people in question and I am aware they are becoming increasingly frustrated by the fact that terms of reference have not yet been agreed in the context of how the board will operate the fund, the types of service it will provide or how individuals will be able to apply to it for assistance. In addition, there is no deadline in place in respect of when the fund will be in a position to accept applications. It is crucial that timelines are established. There must be some certainty for those who wish to avail of the fund with regard to when it will be open for applications. I ask the Minister to engage with the board to ensure it takes prompt action in the context of agreeing the terms of reference and accepting applications.

See this speech in context