Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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104. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will include industrial school survivors in the redress scheme, which would see them also receive a State pension (contributory) and medical card. [52248/22]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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105. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will expand the education fund which was established as part of the redress scheme in 2002, reopening the scheme to include the children of survivors who have previously been denied the funding due to their being “too young” to avail of it at the time. [52249/22]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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106. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if industrial school survivors can be recognised as a category of persecuted people, as per the wishes of the survivors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52250/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 to 106, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will be aware, there are a number of published reports highlighting the ongoing needs of survivors and the lifelong difficulties they may encounter due to their childhood experiences in residential care.  A survivor-led Consultative Forum, supported by professional facilitators who were engaged by my Department, was also established and has provided a very good insight into the areas where survivors feel that supports may be required into the future.  I have met with the Forum to hear directly from them and their final report was submitted to the Department last year.  

These reports, alongside other relevant submissions, are currently being considered by my Department with input from colleagues from other Departments.  Significant resources continue to be devoted to progressing this which will feed into the consideration of proposals to Government in this context.  

I would also note that, as part of the State’s response to individuals experiencing distress as a result of childhood sexual abuse, a free National Counselling Service is operated by the HSE.  Full details are available on the HSE’s website.