Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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985. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the redress scheme will be open to applicants to apply for; the timeframe that the process is expected to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1380/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 976 and 985 together.

I recognise the importance of delivering the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme for survivors. The legislation for the Scheme was published in October 2022 and passed Committee Stage in Dáil on 15th November 2022. I hope to bring the Bill to Report Stage in the Dáil in the coming weeks.

The operational elements, which includes the establishment of an Executive Office to administer the Scheme, are being progressed alongside the legislation and intensive work is underway in my Department in this regard also. Subject to the legislation being passed and enacted, and the administrative structures being established, the Scheme will open for applications as soon as possible in 2023.

In advance of being opened for applications, the Scheme will be advertised extensively both nationally and abroad. An information summary providing details on the Scheme is currently available to view on my department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/0c637-mother-and-baby-institutions-payment-scheme/