Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 90: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason she will not support the call for justice from those who were abused when placed by the State in foster homes; the reason this group is remaining outside the redress scheme; and her view on a case (details supplied). [40908/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Redress Scheme was established in 2002 as an exceptional measure to address abuse in specified residential institutions and to quote the then Minister from the Second Stage Debate on the redress legislation "It is not, and was never intended to be, a panacea for every injustice committed on children". The inclusion of children abused in foster care was raised during the passage of the original legislation, however foster care settings were not included on the basis that there was no substantial evidence of widespread abuse in foster homes.

Following the publication of the Ryan Report in May 2009, there were a range of demands for the redress scheme to be extended, including demands to include foster care settings. The Government considered these demands and in its statement of 15th April last indicated that it did not propose to revise the arrangements.