Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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71. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that he has made in his discussions with the Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland regarding contributing towards redress; and if he formally requested a meeting with persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15448/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes made significant findings in relation to the failings of the State and Religious Congregations, who together ran Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. The Government believes that all relevant parties have a collective responsibility to respond to Ireland's legacy in relation to these institutions. Following Government approval on 16th November 2021 of the proposals for the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, I commenced meetings on an individual basis with each of the organisations involved.

So far, meetings have taken place with the 6 Religious Congregations and one lay Catholic organisation concerned and a meeting has also been held with the Church of Ireland. It is my intention to arrange a meeting with the Catholic church hierarchy. The purpose of the meetings to date was to outline the details of the proposed Payment Scheme and to discuss how the Congregation or organisation intended to contribute towards the cost of this Scheme.

The Government recognises that these discussions are very important to survivors and to the public. They are very important to Government also. In order to allow for open engagement throughout, and in keeping with the standard approach taken to matters of negotiation, it was agreed that this process, while ongoing, would be treated as confidential.

This does not mean that the process is not transparent or that a full account will not be made to Government in due course. The Congregations have been made aware that I am accountable to the Oireachtas and, as such, will be making a full report available when this process is concluded. I am keen to make progress in the shortest possible timeframe but it is expected that it may take a number of months.