Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To reiterate, redress comes in many different forms. Financial compensation is only one element of that. There are more aspects to it than this. The overwhelming priority and need, which has been expressed through extensive engagement with survivors, is access to records and information about their births and their early lives. About 10,000 people have already received that information, with more to come. I am glad that has been possible. In relation to engagement with religious orders, when we come to an agreement with them, should that be possible, it will then be up to the Government of the time to make a decision as to how that money can best be spent. When it comes to medical cards, the legislation underpinning the scheme provides that anyone who spent 180 days or more in one of these institutions is eligible for health supports in the form of an enhanced medical card. We are keen to press ahead with that without any unnecessary delay.

See this speech in context