Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
522. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications to date for each support available under the package of supports for survivors of abuse in residential institutions such as industrial schools and reformatories; the total value of each; the estimated waiting time it will take from the time of application to when the support is allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28551/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 provides for the delivery of a package of ongoing health and education supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions such as industrial schools and reformatories. Information on the supports, including application processes, were published by the Department on 6 March.
Under the Act, the supports are to be provided to survivors who received redress from the Residential Institutions Redress Board, or a similar court award or settlement. Therefore, the first step in the application process is to confirm each applicant’s eligibility under the Act.
As of last Friday, 17 April, the Department had received approximately 500 applications in that regard. The Department is writing to applicants to confirm their eligibility or engaging with them to progress their applications (for example, to request further necessary documentation).
In relation to the supports themselves, approximately 300 applications for health supports have been received, of which approximately. 80% are from survivors resident in Ireland who are applying for the specific medical card for survivors, with the remaining 20% from survivors resident outside Ireland who are applying for a health support payment of €3,000. The Department will begin issuing health support payments this week and has commenced sharing relevant information with the HSE to enable the issuing of medical cards to eligible survivors.
In relation to education supports, approximately 230 applications have been received to date for the €600 education support payment for informal learning, self-development and wellbeing and the first such payments have been processed by the Department and will be received by the applicants this week. A small number of applications for education support payments to support formal education and training have also been received, and the Department is engaging with the applicants concerned to progress those applications so that the related payments can be made.
