Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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425. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the long-term costs of a nursing home are being paid by the State for people who were in mother and baby homes; what assistance is available for nursing home costs in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43682/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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There is financial support available to help pay for the cost of care in a nursing home through the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, also known as the Fair Deal scheme. The Fair Deal scheme is managed by the Health Service Executive.

My Department does not offer specific support towards the long-terms costs of a nursing home for people who spent time in mother and baby homes. However, intensive work is underway in relation to the establishment of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, which will provide financial payments and health supports in the form of an enhanced medical card, to survivors and former residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions.

The legislation for the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme was signed into law by the President on 11 July 2023 and, once the administrative infrastructure is in place, the Payment Scheme will open for applications.