Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters) was published in January of this year. Bethany Home was one of the 14 named mother and baby home institutions directly investigated by the Commission. In response to the findings of the Commission, Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for eligible survivors of these 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 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 and bringing proposals to Cabinet for approval later this month. When Cabinet approval for a Scheme is received, my Department will then begin the significant work necessary to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.