Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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489. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when details of the restorative recognition scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county home institutions will be published; when the scheme will be open for applications; the total value of the scheme; the number of applications expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54305/21]

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. The work of the IDG has been 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.

I intend to bring proposals on the Scheme to Cabinet very soon. It is not possible to provide details on the potential cost of the Scheme or the number of applications expected in advance of proposals being agreed by Government.

Once proposals for the Scheme are approved by Government, I will publish them 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.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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490. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the membership and qualifications of the interdepartmental group established to develop the restorative recognition scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county home institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54306/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, an Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for a Restorative Recognition Scheme, taking account of the recommendations of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes but not limited to those recommendations.

The Group is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and composed of senior officials from:

- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

- Department of Education

- Department of Health

- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

- Department of the Taoiseach

- Office of the Attorney General

- State Claims Agency

Significant consultation with stakeholders has also been undertaken. A national and international consultation process took place with survivors and their advocates during March and April. Furthermore, I requested that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) make its independent expertise available to the IDG.

The work of the IDG is effectively complete, and I look forward to bringing proposals to Cabinet in the coming weeks. 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.