Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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424. To ask the Minister for Health if a commitment to provide survivors of mother and baby homes with medical cards will be put in place. [29730/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes is due to submit its final report by 30th October 2020. The important work of this Commission will undoubtedly help us to acknowledge and better understand the truth of what happened in and around these institutions. Once available, the Commission’s final conclusions on all matters will be considered when determining the appropriate State response.

Memorialisation was one of the key issues examined by the Collaborative Forum of former residents of Mother and Baby Homes and related institutions which was set up by my predecessor. My Department utilised the recommendations in its first report, to shape the design of the Commemorative Grant Scheme that was launched in March 2020.

The Commission's final report will assist to inform deliberations on the development of local and national memorialisation measures. I am committed to facilitating further engagement with former residents and their families to build a consensus around specific memorialisation projects. I am certainly open to exploring the Deputy's suggestions for measures that would preserve and acknowledge the histories of these institutions and provide access to relevant information on a regional basis. In this regard I would welcome any further information which the Deputy may wish to provide on this proposal.