Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) is entitled to compensation after years of abuse in an industrial school. [52117/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The legacy of abuse against children and young people, whether in residential institutions, in day schools, or in any other setting, is appalling. It is impossible to even imagine what some people endured.  In recognition that survivors may need the help of counsellors, there is a National Counselling Service, run by the Health Service Executive which provides counselling services to those who have been abused in childhood, with priority given to those abused in residential institutional care.   Perhaps, this service may be of assistance.

While there was a redress scheme in place for people who had suffered abuse in a number of scheduled institutions, it is no longer open to new applicants.   The Residential Institutions Redress Amendment Act, 2011 removed the Board's power to accept late applications.

The  legislation removing the Board's power to consider late applications also required the Board to advertise this fact.  Given Ireland's pattern of immigration to the UK, the Board advertised in the Daily Mail and the Sun in the UK.  The Board also wrote to all solicitors on record and placed a notice on its website as well as advising the survivor groups and outreach centres in the UK. It also arranged for the Irish embassies to be advised of the closing date.

Since 17th September 2011, the Redress Board has been closed for applications.