Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1019. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount spent on advertising for the consultation process on the development of the restorative recognition scheme. [31731/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters), the Government has committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby and County Home institutions. This scheme will include a restorative recognition payment and a form of enhanced medical card.

An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was established to develop detailed proposals for the Restorative Recognition Scheme, which must then be brought to Government for approval. To support and inform the work of the IDG, a public consultation process took place during March and April. This public consultation was undertaken by OAK Conflict Dynamics ('OAK') on behalf of my Department. The input from survivors to that consultation is invaluable in order to develop a scheme that will have their needs at its core.

My Department spent approximately €161,700 excluding VAT in March 2021 on advertising and publicity costs associated with the public consultation for the Restorative Recognition Scheme.

This included €154,656 excluding VAT on publicising the call for submissions in local and national Irish newspapers (including Northern Ireland) and on various social media platforms via our contracted media agency, Mindshare Limited. Additionally, an amount of €4,558 excluding VAT was paid to Kick Communications for typesetting and artwork for the print advertisement.

A further sum of £1,750.00 excluding VAT was spent via Embassy London for advertisements in two newspapers targeting the Irish community in the UK and $550 was spent via the Embassy Washington for advertisements in US based Irish Community newspapers

I was delighted with the strong response to the consultation process. Approximately 450 written submissions were received and 17 online meetings were held to meet demand. 'OAK' submitted their final report on the consultation process to the IDG on 17th May.

The work of the IDG is almost complete and they will deliver their report to me very soon. Following this, I will submit recommendations to Government for a decision on the Scheme.

Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1020. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount spent on advertising to consult adopted persons, survivors, natural mothers and relatives on the general scheme of the birth information and tracing Bill 2021. [31732/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I published the General Scheme and Heads of Bill of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill on the 11th May 2021, including a press release, and frequently asked questions document. I am engaging extensively in a consultation process with stakeholders, including a bespoke consultation with those affected by illegal birth registration. I am grateful to all those who have given of their time to this consultation process and I welcome all observations on the Bill. While consulting intensively with all interested parties, I have not utilised any budget on advertising to date.

I also note that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has invited submissions on the proposed legislation. I greatly look forward to participating in the pre-legislative scrutiny process and to hearing the views put forward by stakeholders.

It is also my intention, as set out in the Heads of Bill, to engage in a public awareness campaign on the enactment of the legislation. This public awareness campaign will run over a three-month period initially during which it will be advertised nationally and internationally. The purpose of this campaign will be to inform affected persons of the changes brought about by this legislation and of their rights under this legislation.