Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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158. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to indicate the eligibility criteria for redress-compensation as part of the mother and baby homes redress scheme in the case of a person (details supplied); the procedure to apply for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46773/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I can confirm that Clare (Ennis) County Home is an institution that is included in the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme. While it is not possible to comment on a specific individual's potential eligibility for Scheme benefits, it may be helpful to note that the Scheme will be straightforward and non-adversarial, and will provide benefits to applicants based on time spent in an institution without any requirement to bring forward evidence of abuse or harm.

Opening the Scheme as soon as possible is a priority for me and my Department. The Deputy may be aware that underpinning legislation for the Scheme - the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023- was passed into law on 11 July 2023.

This Act allows for the establishment of an Executive Office in my Department to administer the Scheme and the appointment of the Chief Deciding Officer to head up that office. It also allows for the making of the necessary regulations which must be in place prior to the Scheme opening and provides a lawful basis for access to information and records which are essential for the processing of applications.

Intensive work is underway to conclude the work on the administrative structures in as timely a manner as possible and to transition to a live Scheme. An information awareness campaign will take place in Ireland and abroad in advance of the Scheme opening. Once the Scheme is open, applicants will be supported throughout the process with information and advice if they need it. I would encourage any person who thinks they may be eligible for the Scheme to make an application at that time.