Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 18:

In page 15, line 17, to delete “, as soon as practicable,” and substitute “, within 28 days,”.

This amendment seeks to ensure that applications are processed in a timely manner. The current wording is too ambiguous and allows too much scope. Given that survivors have had to wait decades for justice, it is important to ensure that this time limit is added. The administration of the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 is highlighting that applications under it are often taking longer than the timelines outlined. Given the exceptional range permitted, it is important to learn from that experience and add this time limit. It should also be noted that the reference to 28 days in total means four weeks, not 28 working days.

Amendment No. 19 relates to the previous amendments on the role of the timely processing of applications. Given the age profile of survivors, it is important that the applications of those aged over 75 years are assessed quickly. No one could disagree with this point. It is especially significant in the context of the Government's refusal to grant the interim payments requested by survivors.

The OAK report states that the most commonly held view in relation to financial recognition was that an immediate, interim, ex gratiacommon experience payment should be paid urgently. The least the Government should do after repeatedly ignoring this point is ensure the timely processing of applications.