Further supports will be provided to survivors of abuse in industrial schools, reformatories and related institutions, under plans agreed by Cabinet on Tuesday.
Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed that as part of a new phase of supports, those who have received an award under the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme, or a similar court award or settlement, will receive an enhanced package of health services and supports.
These will include health and educational supports, as well as new advocacy supports.
The package was agreed as Caranua, the State body set up to help survivors, will now be formally wound up as it has exhausted its funds.
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The State has paid around €1bn to survivors through the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme and the Education Finance Board.
The State also sought contributions from the relevant congregations after the publication of the Ryan Report. This funding, worth €98m, was disbursed through Caranua.
In total, Caranua paid funding support to approximately 6,000 survivors.
“The whole of government are very conscious of the enormous trauma which has been endured by all survivors of abuse. It is vital that survivors know government is responding strongly,” Ms Foley said.
“This new phase of supports to those who suffered abuse in industrial schools, reformatories and related institutions will help to ensure they can access balanced and proportionate assistance in areas including health, advocacy and education, including advocacy supports through a new independent advocacy service.”
Under the package agreed by Cabinet, a technical amendment will also be made to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, known as the Fair Deal Scheme, to ensure that previous redress awards received by survivors are not included in the financial assessment should they need to seek nursing home care in the future.
Speaking at Government Buildings, Ms Foley said that “no amount of money” and “no amount of supports” could accommodate for the “horrific injustices that were inflicted on so many young and vulnerable people.”
The enhanced medical and educational supports will require legislation, but Ms Foley said that this was a Government priority.
