Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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571. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill 2022 will be put as a priority before the summer recess of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22653/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am acutely aware of the sense of urgency surrounding the establishment of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme and I am focused on delivering it as soon as possible. The Payment Scheme Bill was passed by Dáil Éireann in February and I hope to conclude Committee Stage in the Seanad shortly. It is my intention to complete the passage of the Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess.

In parallel with the legislative process, work is underway in my Department towards establishing the administrative structures necessary to deliver the Scheme. Subject to the legislation being enacted and these administrative structures being established, the Scheme will open for applications as soon as possible in 2023.