Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
158. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth since the closure of Caranua, when the survivors of residential institutional abuse will be able to avail of educational support, as referenced in the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10841/26]
View answer159. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if survivors of the residential abuse scheme who have received redress from the State previously, will receive support for furthering their education; when Department officials will be available to discuss these supports with survivors following the closure of Caranua; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10842/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 enables the provision of education support payments to “former residents”, which is defined in the Act as survivors who received an award of redress from the Residential Institutions Redress Board or a similar court award or settlement.
The provision of these support payments is part of a larger package of ongoing supports, which also includes health and advocacy services, and builds upon the education supports previously provided to survivors through Caranua and the Education Finance Board.
My Department is currently finalising arrangements for the delivery of these supports to survivors as soon as possible, and relevant information will be published on the Department’s website and communicated as widely as possible to survivors.
