Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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276. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 26 February 2013, if he will provide an update regarding a fund which was to be administered by his Department to support survivors of institutional abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30517/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I appointed the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board with effect from 25th March 2013.

The Board will oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of some 15,000 survivors of institutional child abuse. Supports across a range of services, including mental health services, health and personal social services, education and housing services will be available.

The Board held its inaugural meeting on 27th March and has commenced work on the arrangements to be put in place for the operation of the Fund. Further publicity will be undertaken as the work of the Board progresses and a website with detailed information on the Fund's services is being developed. While the tasks facing the Fund are significant, I am confident that it will make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of the survivors of institutional abuse. Some initial information regarding the work of the Board is available on its website www.risfboard.com.