SUPPORT TO SURVIVORS OF INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE
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Important Update: Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024

This Bill relates to survivors of institutional abuse who received compensation from the Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB) or who obtained similar court awards or settlements.

The Bill has two main purposes:

  • To provide ongoing Health and Education Supports to eligible survivors.
  • To provide for the formal dissolution of Caranua.

The Bill was debated in Dail Eireann on 28 May, 2025, and proceedings can be viewed (from the 8hrs 11mins 30secs mark) here. Alternatively, the full text can be read here. Further details are provided below, however, survivors are always welcome to contact Sage Advocacy on 01 536 7330 with any questions.

The Bill has passed all stages in Dail Eireann (TDs) and now proceeds to the Seanad (Senators) for consideration. Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, stated: “It is my intention to progress the passage of the Bill through the Seanad in the coming weeks to enable the delivery to survivors of the health and education supports outlined in the bill.”

It is intended to make the supports provided for in the Bill available to survivors as soon as possible. Subject to the Bill being passed in the coming weeks, access to education supports, and the health support payment for former residents not resident in the State, are to be available from 1 August, 2025. The health supports will be rolled out from Quarter 3 of 2025 (Quarter 3 refers to the months July, August and September), following consultation with the Minister for Health and the HSE.

Education Supports for Survivors

Cash grants from €500 to €2,000 will be provided to eligible survivors who wish to undertake an education or training course.

Survivors do not have to be living in Ireland to receive this grant. Survivors can undertake a course in the country where they live if they do not live in Ireland. These grants will not be means-tested.

This cash grant is not intended to replace the Student Grant Scheme (also known as SUSI). The cash grant is to provide additional support. For example, to purchase a laptop or other materials for your chosen course. Before receiving the grant, applicants will be required to show evidence of acceptance on the course and, where fees apply, that these fees have been paid. 

The amount paid to an applicant will depend on what type of course they are doing (in other words what level it is under the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent) and whether it is full-time or part-time as follows –

  • A full-time third level course including a Higher Diploma, Degree, Masters and Doctorate (NFQ Level 7-10) – €2,000
  • A full-time third level course including a Post-Leaving Certificate course (NFQ Level 5-6) – €1,500
  • A full-time post-primary or further education course including the Leaving Certificate (NFQ Level 1-4) – €1,200
  • A part-time third level course including a Higher Diploma, Degree, Masters and Doctorate NFQ Level 7-10) – €1,200
  • A part-time third level course including a Post-Leaving Certificate course (NFQ Level 5-6) – €800
  • A part-time post-primary or further education course including the Leaving Certificate (NFQ Level 1-4) – €500

For example, if a survivor wishes to do a part-time post-leaving certificate course, they can receive a grant of €800, while if a survivor is doing a full-time degree course, they can receive a grant of €2,000. 

If a survivor wishes to do other training or education courses that do not lead to a recognised award, they will be able to receive a grant of €500.

Survivors will be able to make one application per year only and it will be subject to a maximum overall cap of €8,000, depending on the level of course they are doing. 

If a survivor is in receipt of a grant from SUSI, any portion of the Student Contribution Grant that is not already paid for by SUSI will be covered by this new package of education supports. This is in cases where the Student Contribution Grant applies, and this contribution will be in addition to the cash grants described above. 

Health Supports for Survivors

For eligible survivors resident in Ireland the HSE will be required to provide the following health supports:

  • GP services
  • prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances
  • home nursing
  • home help service
  • dental, ophthalmic and aural services
  • counselling
  • chiropody/podiatry
  • physiotherapy

For survivors resident outside the State, a health support payment of €3,000 will be made available.

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