James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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511. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the mother and baby homes redress payment scheme will be put in place; how a person can go about receiving their payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14935/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I recognise the importance of delivering the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme for survivors as quickly as is possible. The legislation for the Scheme was published in October 2022 and completed its passage through the Dáil on 22nd February 2023. The Bill will move to the Seanad 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.

Around the time of its launch, a public information campaign will be undertaken 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/

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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512. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14937/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme will provide financial payments and an enhanced medical card to survivors and former residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions in recognition of time spent in the institution, harsh conditions, emotional abuse and all other forms of mistreatment, stigma and trauma experienced while resident in a Mother and Baby or County Home Institution. A refund of disability allowance is a matter for the Department of Social Protection and is not within the scope of this Scheme.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill has been published and is currently making its way through the Houses. The Scheme will open as soon as possible in 2023 once the legislation is passed and administrative framework is in place.