Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of our guests and witnesses, particularly those who have had a significant journey. It is very important they are in this room to discuss the Bill. It is very important that the voices and experiences of survivors are included and addressed fully in the Bill. For far too long the history of the State has been one of abuse, neglect, pain and trauma for countless people. This is wrong. The Bill goes some way to address this. It does not go all the way because the abuse will never be undone to the people who have survived it.

My first question is for Mr. Rodgers, who has raised some very important points. The Department of Education estimates that 33% of those eligible live in the UK.

The concern I have with the issues that have been raised is that we could almost inadvertently be putting up a barrier for people to apply for and benefit from this scheme if they are going to lose their state entitlements in the UK. That would be both counterproductive and counterintuitive. It would further compound the pain and the hurt. I do not have any specific questions other than to say that I will be raising this issue with the Department. If Mr. Rodgers knows of a mechanism that has been introduced in the UK that can reduce the bureaucracy relating to people receiving the supports, I ask him to let us know. He spoke about personal injury funds and universal credit. Is any such mechanism available?