30 January, 2014 - Minister Quinn nominates new Chairperson of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund

The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., has nominated David J. O’Callaghan to become Chairperson of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board.

This follows the current Chair’s indication that she intends to resign due to planned surgery which will limit her availability to perform the functions.   

In accordance with Government procedures, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection will meet with Mr O’Callaghan to discuss the approach he will take as Chairperson and his views about the future contribution of the organisation. Following that discussion, a final decision will be taken by the Minister in relation to the confirmation of Mr O’Callaghan as Chairperson.

Minister Quinn has also appointed Mrs Frances Harrington to be a member of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board following the resignation of Mr Paddy Doyle.

Positions on the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board are not remunerated.

ENDS

Editors’ Note:

The Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, which uses the service name Caranua, is the State body established in 2013 under the provisions of the Residential institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012. 

It oversees the use of up to €110 million in cash contributions pledged by religious congregations to support the needs of some 15,000 survivors of residential institutional child abuse. This support will involve the provision of a range of approved services, including health and personal social services, education and housing services. Further details are available on the Board’s website www.caranua.ie.

David J. O’Callaghan is the former Secretary General of the Department of Defence and current Chair of the Irish Red Cross.

Mrs Frances Harrington is a former resident of an institution and resides in Tipperary. She is involved in community activity and holds an Honours degree in Community Studies from NUI Maynooth.