Working with Survivors of Abuse
We provide services to survivors of abuse in Ireland, who are making applications to the Residential Institutions Redress Board.
The Redress Board
The Redress Board was set up under the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002 to make fair and reasonable awards to persons who, as children, were abused while resident in industrial schools, reformatories and other institutions subject to state regulation or inspection.
The final date for receipt of applications was Dec 15, 2005 and the Board received a total of 14,541 applications. A limited number of applications are being received after that date and the Board may, at its discretion and where it considers there are exceptional circumstances, extend the period for receipt of applications.
By the end of 2007, the Board had completed the process in 9,896 cases. 7,372 offers have been made following settlement talks and 2,082 awards have been made following hearings. 5 applicants have rejected their awards. 442 applications were withdrawn, refused or resulted in no award.
Our Services
Throughout the process, we are providing services which cover:
- Late applications: The Board may at its discretion and where it considers there are exceptional circumstances, extend the time limit beyond 15th December 2005.
- Cases where applicant has died: Where an applicant has died, a grant of probate/letters of administration is required to finalise payment. We can offer this service to clients and family members of applicants.
- Representation during case preparation: Some applicants may have submitted applications to the Board personally and are experiencing difficulties in the preparation of their case. They can nominate a solicitor to act on their behalf in the presentation of their case. We have worked with many applicants, including using questionnaires to assist applicants in recalling their history and addressing issues which will be appropriate to refer to in the case to the Board.
- Medical Evidence: The Redress Board requires a medical report to accompany applications in order to verify the effects of any physical/sexual/mental abuse or neglect that may have been suffered. We provide access to medical practitioners and psychiatrists who are experts not just in their field but also in the preparation of reports for the Redress Board.
- Settlement: If the Board considers that your case is suitable for settlement, then they will nominate a date to meet on your case and make an offer. We can negotiate with the Counsel or the Solicitor to the Board and advise you of the merits of any offer received.
Throughout the process, our interviews are conducted in a private and sensitive manner at a pace that suits you. Our aim is to treat each applicant with respect and dignity.
Applications and Legal Rights
Making an application for redress does not require you to give up any right you may have to bring a claim for damages in the courts. You can wait and see if the Board makes an award which is acceptable to you. If you wish to accept the award made by the Board, however, you must then agree to give up certain legal rights. If the Board’s award is not acceptable, you may simply reject it and proceed with any other legal claims which are available to you.
Legal Costs
Your solicitor’s professional fees are fully paid for by the Redress Board. Your settlement monies will not be reduced by legal fees when dealing with us.*
Testimonials from our clients
“Paul was the first person I ever spoke to about my experiences. He made it easy to talk and took it at my pace.” W.F., DUBLIN
“I was embarrassed at not being able to read or write. I was made feel at ease and it was great to talk to somebody who I felt was listening.” J.B., DUBLIN
“I was very happy with the service provided.” W.T., DUBLIN
“I appreciated Paul coming to meet me and my family to help us with our applications. It was the first time we had discussed together what happened to us.” B.M., BOSTON.
“I was made feel at ease.” K.F., DUBLIN
“Anonymity of the internet was great; it gave me confidence to proceed.” B.M., AUSTRALIA
More information
If you need more information, you can learn more about the entire process at http://www.irish-survivors.com/irish-survivors/. To contact us, call us on 1850 940140 or 01-8745656, e-mail us at law@traceysolicitors.ie or we can call you back.
* In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees, or in other cases as a percentage or a proportion of any award or settlement.
