Ms Laura McGarrigle:

Within that frame of reference, the IDG was developing detailed proposals that were recognising unduly long periods of time spent in an institution and the harsh conditions that were experienced there, particularly, as the commission noted, the appalling conditions that prevailed in the Tuam institution or in a county home and the emotional abuse and mistreatment that many residents experienced. The development of the proposals for the payment scheme was seen as responding to the recognition of those unduly long periods of time spent in the institutions. In that regard, the IDG in undertaking its work looked at the commission's recommendations as a starting point but also built beyond them, designing a payment that recognises these unduly long stays in institutions.