This Bill is in relation 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 Seanad Eireann on June 11 and proceedings can be viewed here. Alternatively, the full text can be read (here).
On Thursday, June 19 at 2pm, Seanad Eireann debated the Bill at Committee Stage.
On Wednesday, June 25 at 3pm the Seanad will deal with the Bill at Report and Final Stages.
The Department of Education has indicated that once the Bill is enacted it is their intention to make the education supports and health supports (in conjunction with HSE) available as soon as possible. For former residents living in Ireland, the Department have indicated sometime from the third quarter of this year. For former residents living abroad they are indicating from August 1, 2025.
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. You do not have to be living in Ireland to receive this grant. You can undertake a course in the country in which you live if you 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 you will depend on what type of course you 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 you wish to do a part-time post-leaving certificate course, you can receive a grant of €800 while if you are doing a full-time degree course, you can receive a grant of €2,000.
If you wish to do other training or education courses which do not lead to a recognised award, you will be able to receive a grant of €500.
You 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 you are doing.
If you are in receipt of a grant from SUSI, any portion of the Student Contribution Grant which 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.
