Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Once again, it is important that we remind ourselves of the purpose of Caranua. It was established to provide practical and financial support to survivors of residential institutions. It has already provided support in the region of €100 million to survivors and former residents of those institutions to help them with their lives. It is certainly not designed to abuse anyone; it is designed to help them. It has helped a lot of people, many of whom I have met in the course of my work.

On the Deputy's two specific asks, I will speak to the Minister, Deputy McHugh, about this. I absolutely agree that if people are not informed that they have a right of appeal, they should be. That would seem to me to be elementary. When it comes to any application procedure people should be made aware of the option or right to appeal. I will follow up on that. I cannot, here on the floor of the Chamber, say whether a second appeals officer is necessary but I will certainly examine the issue.

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