Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Education and Science

Residential Institutions Redress Board

9:00 pm

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 996: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the spouse of a person would be entitled to apply to the Residential Institutions Redress Board but who is now deceased can apply to the board for redress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48251/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Residential Institutions Redress Board was established to make financial awards to persons, who, as children, suffered abuse in certain residential institutions. The operation of the Board is governed by the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002 and, in accordance with the prescribed legislation, the Board is independent in the performance of its functions.

I should firstly point out that the closing date for receipt of applications to the Board expired in December 2005. However, there is provision for the Board to consider late applications in accordance with Section 8 of the Act. It is entirely a matter for the Board to appraise each application and ascertain the eligibility of the claimant.

Section 9 of the Act deals with the issue of applications on behalf of deceased former residents. Section 9 (1) states that "where a person who would have qualified as an applicant and who did not receive an award or settlement referred to in Section 7 (2) dies after 11th May 1999 and prior to making an application under this Act, the children or spouse of that person may, subject to subsection (3), make an application on behalf of that deceased person".

Subsection 3 states that only one application may be made in respect of an individual former resident.

I would suggest that the person to whom the Deputy is referring should contact the Residential Institutions Redress Board directly, and they will be in a position to advise him/her of the process involved.

The Board can be contacted by writing to The Residential Institutions Redress Board, Block 5, Belfield Office Park, Beech Hill Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4 or by phoning 1800 200 086.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.