582. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if persons who previously received a small settlement in respect of abuse suffered while attending school will be eligible to apply for redress under the new scheme; and if a previous settlement will affect their eligibility or the amount of redress available. [65172/26]

The Deputy may recall that the report of the Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) established to advise Government on the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry on historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders was published in July 2025.

In relation to the Scoping Inquiry’s recommendation that consideration be given by the Government to establishing a redress scheme for survivors, the IDG advised in its report that a further phase of work was required to ensure that any advice to Government is fully informed, as the matters under consideration are wide ranging, complex and may have far-reaching implications.

This further phase of work on the consideration of a redress scheme is currently ongoing and it is examining how any such scheme might be funded by those responsible for schools where child sexual abuse occurred. It is due to complete its work by May 2027 and, at that point, its findings will be considered by the Minister and by Government in deciding on the issue of redress for survivors of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools.