Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the possible date in October when the funds from the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund will be made available for the use of survivors of abuse, many of whom are elderly and sick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41895/13]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the release of the funds for the survivors of abuse will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41896/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

The Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board (RISF) was established in March to oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of 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 RISF has to determine and publish its approved services and the criteria by reference to which it will make decisions in respect of applications. I understand that the RISF is working on these issues while also progressing the practical arrangements of recruiting staff and establishing an office.

I am anxious that the Fund is operational as quickly as possible. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the Fund must determine its services and criteria at the outset. I am not therefore in a position today to specify a date on which the RISF will be operational.