Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

510. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of Caranua; the transitional arrangements in place to deal with all outstanding applications when Caranua closes at the end of 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36640/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Caranua is in the process of winding down.  Operational matters including the number of applications on hand and Caranua’s plan to have all outstanding applications completed by the end of 2020 are being dealt with by Caranua.

Caranua have written to the Public Accounts Committee regarding their transitional arrangements. This correspondence will be published in the usual manner.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

511. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which she is satisfied that Caranua has dealt with all cases to a satisfactory standard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36641/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Applications from survivors are dealt with by a team of application advisors who work closely with survivors to try and deliver on their identified needs.

Where a survivor is unhappy with the outcome of an application, he/she has access to an appeals system.As of 31 October 2020, there were 7 appeals outstanding.  Monthly statistics on the number of appeals are published on my Department’s website.Caranua operate a complaints process and its annual reports show a sharp decrease in the number of complaints it has dealt with over the years.Survivors also have recourse to the Ombudsman.  The Ombudsman has published case studies on Caranua and has not upheld the complaints.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

512. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to review the operation and effectiveness of Caranua upon its closure; the terms of reference; the membership of the review panel; if a review or evaluation has been undertaken to date; if so, if a copy of the report will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36642/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Section 7 (1) of  Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 provides for the Board to evaluate the effectiveness of approved services in meeting the needs of former residents. 

Caranua, with the approval of the former Minister for Education, entered into a contract with Dr John Weafer to undertake an independent evaluation to

- Evaluate whether the objectives of Caranua have been achieved

- Measure the impact of the provision of services for Survivors of institutional abuse

- Identify the lessons learnt during the operations of Caranua, creating a shared learning experience for professionals and organisations working with Survivors

I understand that the report will be finalised shortly.