New phase of support for survivors of abuse in industrial schools approved

Norma Foley

As part of the new phase, support for those who have received an award under the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme, or a similar court award or settlement, will include an enhanced package of health services and supports, supports for those who wish to engage in education and training and access to advocacy supports through a new independent advocacy service.

The new package will also see a technical amendment made to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (‘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.

Education Minister Norma Foley said: “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.

“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. I want to pay a particular word of thanks to the Consultative Forum and all other survivors who have engaged and contributed throughout this process.”

She added: “To date, the State has paid approximately €1 billion to survivors of abuse in industrial schools, reformatories and related institutions through the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme and the Education Finance Board.

“In addition, as part of the State’s response, it sought contributions from the relevant congregations following the publication of the Ryan Report.

“This fund was disbursed through Caranua, providing €98m in funding supports to approx. 6,000 survivors. The fund has been exhausted and as part of this move to a new phase of ongoing supports, Caranua is now being wound down.

“Again I would like to thank those survivors who personally met with me for their engagement, commitment and the insight they generously shared in participating in the consultation process which has led to the development of this new phase of ongoing supports. My Department will now work to deliver these supports to survivors in the shortest possible timeframe.”