Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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236. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how individuals can avail of the additional supports announced by her Department on 27 June 2023 for survivors of abuse in industrial schools, reformatories and related institutions, in areas including health, advocacy and education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50737/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, last June Government approved proposals for the delivery of a package of ongoing supports and services for survivors of abuse in residential institutions, relating to health, education, advocacy and trauma-informed practice. This package of supports was developed following consideration of the final report of the survivor-led Consultative Forum, along with other relevant reports and submissions.

With regard to health supports, Government has approved the provision of an enhanced package of health supports and services to survivors in Ireland, similar to the supports previously provided to survivors of the Magdalen Laundries and which are to be provided to former residents of Mother and Baby Homes. This is commonly referred to as an “enhanced medical card”. Survivors living abroad will be able to avail of a payment of €3,000 in lieu of the enhanced medical card to support their health needs. This is the same approach taken in respect of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.

With regard to education, the Department will establish a new scheme involving the payment of cash grants to survivors who are engaging in further and higher education. This scheme will also ensure that survivors are not required to pay the Student Contribution Charge where this would otherwise apply.

The delivery of both the health and education supports outlined above will require the passage of legislation, the General Scheme of which is currently undergoing Pre-Legislative Scrutiny by the Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It is my intention to progress the passage of the legislation as quickly as possible.

Regarding advocacy, the Forum’s report identified a requirement for signposting and advocacy for access to public services. My Department is working with Sage Advocacy, an independent advocacy organisation with a strong track record in provided advocacy supports to older and vulnerable individuals, to establish a specific advocacy service for survivors which will assist them in engaging with and accessing relevant services. The development of this arrangement is at an advanced stage and it is expected that this service will be in place very shortly.