Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 24 May 2022
Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth
General Scheme of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill 2022
Lynn Ruane (Independent)
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I have two further technical questions about the heads of the Bill.
On heads 3 and 6, the role of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform seems to be dominant here given that decisions are primarily sanctioned by that Minister. While the role of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is obviously relevant given the financial implications, there is a concern that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will essentially write off payments subject to budgetary availability. Is that accurate? I ask for clarity and assurances from the Department of Health in this regard. In regard to the enhanced medical card scheme and the €3,000 once-off payment in lieu for those living abroad, has a budget been allocated and ring-fenced for that scheme? If so, what is it?