Way cleared for abuse survivor to seek compensation from redress board

The way has been cleared for a woman who suffered institutional abuse to make a late claim for redress following the Supreme Court’s finding in favour of her challenge.

She had applied for compensation to the Residential Institutions Redress Board but was refused because her application was too late.

Ms Justice Susan Denham delivered judgment in the case which was heard during the historic first sitting of the Supreme Court in Cork. She said the board erred in the exercise of its discretion and that its decision to refuse was irrational.