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

114. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he will publish the Government’s plans for a restorative recognition scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes; and his views on the on the provision that has been made to compel religious orders to contribute to said redress scheme. [48270/21]

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

The Deputy will be aware that, as part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation, the Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. This Scheme will include a financial payment and a form of enhanced medical card.

An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for the Scheme, taking account of the recommendations of the Commission but not limited to those recommendations. The work of the IDG was guided by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors which took place during March and April, with a very strong response received to that consultation process.

The work of the Interdepartmental Group is effectively complete, and I look forward to receiving its final report very soon and bringing proposals to Cabinet for approval in October. Once approved by Government, I will publish the proposals immediately. My Department will also immediately commence the significant work necessary to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.

I wrote to the religious congregations when publishing the Final Report of the Commission, and it is my intention to meet with them on the issue of financial contributions towards the Scheme, once proposals are approved by Government.

I believe that all relevant parties, including the State and others that were involved in the management or delivery of these services, have a shared moral and ethical obligation to support appropriate actions in the Government response