Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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643. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is working to the figure of €1.5 billion for the restorative recognition scheme for mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52779/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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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 bringing proposals to Cabinet in the coming weeks. It is not possible to provide details on the potential cost of the Scheme in advance of proposals being agreed by Government.

Once the Scheme is approved by Government, I will publish the proposals immediately. My Department will also continue with the significant work necessary and already in progress to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.