The Board wishes to acknowledge the statement below issued by the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe, T.D. in response to comments made on Morning Ireland today regarding a reduction in funding for the Board. The independence of the Board is enshrined in section 3(2) of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 which states 'The Board and its members shall be independent in the performance of their function'. Since its establishment in 2002 the Board has, and will until it has completed its business, continue to make awards in accordance with the Redress Act which are fair and reasonable having regard to the unique circumstances of each applicant. It should be noted that the Board finalised 13,190 applications to 18th May 2009 leaving a total of 1,394 to be completed.
The Board notes in particular the confirmation by the Minister in his statement that the State will honour whatever awards are made by the Board.
Statement of the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe T.D. issued on 21st May 2009 to all TV, radio and print media;
'URGENT CLARIFICATION REGARDING BRIAN HAYES ASSERTION ON MORNING IRELAND CONCERNING CUTS TO REDRESS BOARD.
The Department of Education and Science has no control or influence over the Redress Board awards.
The Redress Board is totally independent in making awards and whatever it awards the State pays.
Every year, money is set aside based on an estimate of the level and number of awards being made.
If the awards exceed the amount set aside, more funding would be allocated to pay all awards.
The amount set aside this year was reduced because of reduced award patterns.
The Redress Board is not constrained by the amount set aside.
Neither the Minister nor Department could or would interfere with the level of awards made by the independent Redress Board.
Ends'
