Yesterday the Taoiseach spoke on Cork radio about a letter he, the former Taoiseach and now Tánaiste, and the former Minister for Education and Skills received from Louise O'Keeffe about the ex gratia scheme for survivors of abuse in day schools. Two years ago, the Taoiseach led a debate in this Chamber where we voted by 2:1 to change that scheme to ensure the survivors would get redress. In recent comments the Taoiseach mentioned that progress had been made with a view to reopening the ex gratia scheme. Will he outline what progress has been made? Like me, the Taoiseach has met a number of these groups. I know he met the Creagh Lane group from Limerick on a number of occasions. When does he anticipate the matter being resolved?

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. Since we raised this issue the last time, the outgoing Taoiseach outlined that there would be a redesign or a review of the redress scheme and that it would be changed. That work is under way. I understand that since the judge's determination at the time and the review, offers of compensation have been made to 13 survivors as a result of that report and review. I will meet the Department of Education and Skills on Friday. I hope to be in a position to get more specific detail and a report on the issue. I hope to give the Deputy a timeline then for rolling out the new redress scheme.