Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the growing number of complaints and delays regarding the processing of applications to Caranua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28182/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware Caranua is an independent statutory body and I have no role in regard to its day to day operations. It is a matter for Caranua's Board and executive to manage its activities and to put in place systems and processes that are appropriate having regard to the organization's statutory remit.

I would like to point out that, up to the end of June 2016, Caranua had spent some €50 million in supports to or on behalf of 3,545 applicants.  A significant level of funding has been provided to a large number of former residents which is to be welcomed.

I understand that Caranua takes all complaints seriously and that it has a Customer Service Charter and Feedback and Complaints Policy which may be accessed on the organisation's website (www.caranua.ie). The website allows applicants to provide feedback, submit comments and make formal complaints in cases where there is dissatisfaction with the quality of service provided. Furthermore, Caranua comes within the scope of the Ombudsman Acts 1980 to 2012 and its administrative actions are subject to review by the Ombudsman. It is worth noting also that Caranua is amenable to scrutiny by the Oireachtas, including its committees.

I understand that as part of the applications process there are extensive levels of communications between Caranua and applicants. Each applicant is assigned an Application Advisor who is responsible for guiding an applicant through the applications process, helping them to identify the full range of needs they have and providing them with any supporting information that may be needed to complete the application. While there have been delays in the past, I am not aware of there being significant delays in the application process at present.  If the Deputy is aware of a particular case where there has been an inordinate delay in the processing of an individual application I would encourage her to raise the matter directly with Caranua.