IRELAND
The Times (UK)

Ellen Coyne
March 27 2017
The Times

An agency set up to help survivors of institutional child abuse has been accused of wasting redress funds on expensive administrative costs amid criticism of delays in paying out to victims.

Mary Higgins, chief executive of Caranua, received a €10,000 raise in 2015, taking her salary to more than €87,000. Her wages are paid out of a fund from religious congregations established to compensate victims of institutional abuse.

Caranua was set up in 2012 to manage the €110 million fund and make payments to survivors who have health, housing or educational needs. There is €48 million left in the fund.

The Times has spoken to ten survivors who have had negative experiences dealing with the agency. Some said they had waited up to 18 months for cheques to be paid. Others complained of calls not being…