Written answers

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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505. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37850/21]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Deputy will be aware that, 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 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 set up to develop detailed proposals for the Restorative Recognition Scheme, which must then be brought to Government for approval. While the IDG must take account of the recommendations of the Commission, its considerations are not limited to those recommendations. The work of the IDG is underpinned by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors. 

To support and inform the work of the IDG, a public consultation process took place during March and April. The input from survivors to that consultation is invaluable in order to develop a scheme that will have their needs at its core. I was delighted with the strong response to the consultation process with approximately 450 written submissions received and 17 online meetings held. The report of the consultation process was submitted to the IDG on the 17th May. 

I am aware that the IDG are working extremely hard to ensure that they deliver their report to me very soon. On receipt of this, I will submit recommendations to Government for a decision on the Scheme.  The development of this scheme, and the work being undertaken on all aspects of the Government's response to the Commission's Final Report, is a priority for me.

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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506. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1241 of 21 April 2021, the status of the investigation into the leak of the report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation; the details of any report received from the Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach to date; the inquiries made by him to establish the source of and the reason for the leak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37851/21]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As previously advised, the Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach is leading the investigation into this matter. As part of the process, he has been tasked with examining the broader issue of unauthorised dissemination of documentation and other information related to the work of the Cabinet and its sub-committees.

This matter continues to be pursued as the leaking of details from the report before its publication was unacceptable. My Department has provided input to assist the Secretary General with his investigation.  Although it is not yet possible to say when the investigation will be completed, I can assure the Deputy that its outcome will be publicised.

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