Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
219. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the balance of funds remaining in the residential institutions statutory fund; the purposes for which those monies will be used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20715/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCaranua was established in 2013 under the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 to disburse funding supports to survivors from the contributions of €110m (€111.38m including interest) provided by the religious congregations following the publication of the Ryan Report in 2009. The 2012 Act provides that Caranua’s expenses, including both funding supports for survivors and administrative costs, must be met from the funding held in the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund. It is not possible under that Act to supplement this with Exchequer funds.
At this time, very limited funding remains available to Caranua (approximately €60,000) and this funding is being used to meet ongoing costs. The Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 provides that, upon its dissolution, the funding available to Caranua will be transferred to the Minister for Education.
It also provides that this funding will be utilised for purposes benefitting “former residents”, i.e. those who received an award of redress from the Residential Institutions Redress Board or a similar court award or settlement, and the publication of criteria by reference to which decisions regarding the utilisation of the remaining funds shall be made.
