Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

518. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the long waiting times for in processing applications for assistance from Caranua; that there are persons waiting for over nine months for assistance; and her plans to address same. [33077/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. Administrative issues such as those raised in the Deputy's question are day to day matters that are the responsibility of Caranua itself. Caranua commenced accepting applications in January 2014 and I am advised that to date some 5,000 applications have been received. Caranua provides updates on its website (www.caranua.ie) in regard to the number of applications received and related matters. The most recent update shows that by end August 2015, Caranua had made payments of €31m to 2,336 applicants.

Caranua has assured me that contrary to what the Deputy has stated in his question there are no applicants awaiting contact from Caranua for 9 months. If the Deputy is aware of an individual applicant who may be awaiting contact for such a period of time I suggest that he raise the matter directly with Caranua.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

519. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of rules disallowing survivors of institutional abuse from engaging directly with board members of Caranua; the reason for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33065/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. It is a matter for the Board to regulate its own procedures subject to the provisions of the 2012 Act and I have no role in the process.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

520. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the legislative basis on which Caranua is entitled to ask applicants for assistance for medical evidence to support their application. [33043/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 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. The legislation sets out the Board's various powers and functions. Section 20 of the Act sets out the provisions that apply to the making of applications to the Board and associated matters.