Victor Boyhan (Independent)

I acknowledge and agree with the points made by Senator Stephenson. She mentioned Philomena's law, which is being debated in Westminster and is very important. Michelle O'Neill had an article in the Irish Post the other day in which she talked about the new redress scheme being rolled out by the Executive. It may catch some people in the North who spent a considerable time in institutions in this State. I spoke this morning about a person in Armagh who is in that situation. People like that may fall under a UK redress scheme. It will be an interesting space to watch and I hope it will help some of them.

A provision of €3,000 is not a lot of money. I hope the Minister will indicate the amount is to be kept under review. This amendment is not asking that it go from €3,000 to €8,000 or €10,000; it is asking her to use her critical faculties and make the case for a review. In five years' time, €3,000 will not be a lot. It is not an incremental provision and it is not based on any benchmark. It is not a lot of money. Is the Minister open to making the case to keep the amount under review? It is a very simple request. The provision of €3,000 is not satisfactory but it is a start. If she were to agree it should be reviewed, which, of course, it should be, and undertake to keep it under review, that would be a reasonable and welcome move.