Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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110. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1493 of 11 September 2023, if the negotiation process between the expert negotiator and religious orders, with regard to contributing to the mother and baby institutions redress scheme, has been completed to date; if not, the expected timeline for the conclusion of the negotiation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55650/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes made significant findings in relation to the failings of the State and religious bodies, who together ran Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. The Government believes all relevant parties have a collective responsibility to respond to the legacy of these institutions.

In May the Government approved my proposal to appoint Ms Sheila Nunan to act on my behalf in leading negotiations with religious bodies which had a historical involvement with Mother and Baby Institutions. This is with a view to securing a financial contribution towards the cost of the Payment Scheme and it followed on from a series of meetings that I myself held with the bodies. These negotiations, while ongoing, are being treated as confidential. A full report will be provided to Government once the negotiations are concluded.