Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
563. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Youth the provision supports and services to survivors of Institutional Abuse, as agreed through previous mediation with this group. [14839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast July, the Oireachtas passed the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025.
The Act has two main purposes – to enable the delivery of ongoing health and education supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions and to allow the formal dissolution of Caranua.
The package of supports builds upon the already significant State response to this issue.
In the context of the mediation process referred to by the Deputy, the Taoiseach made a number of commitments to the survivor group concerned. Following the conclusion of that process, Government has now agreed to implement those commitments.
Government has agreed to strengthen this package of health supports to be provided under the 2025 through the appointment of specified liaison officers within the HSE and through improved access to counselling and physiotherapy services.
Government has also approved the expansion of the education support payments scheme under the Act to provide support for informal learning and self-development, as well as formal learning.
In addition, there were further commitments relating to housing, funeral costs, criminal records, and a further Government apology.
The Department is now working with relevant departments to finalise the arrangements for the delivery of the supports as soon as possible, and further information will be published on the Department’s website and communicated as widely as possible through relevant groups and agencies.
