Written answers
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Mother and Baby Homes
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context
506. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of survivors estimated to be eligible for the mother and baby institute redress scheme; his Department's work in reaching out to survivors to make them aware of the scheme; and the number of applications submitted to date. [17354/24]
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, which opened on 20 March, will benefit an estimated 34,000 people who spent time in Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions and is projected to cost approximately €800 million over its full lifetime.
As at Sunday, 14 April, 1,345 complete applications have been received and are being processed. This is in addition to a number of incomplete applications where applicants may have, for example, submitted their application online but chosen to send in their certified ID by post or may be getting some support from the Payment Scheme Office where they have forgotten to complete a field or attach supporting documents.
The easiest way to apply to the Scheme is using the online application portal. Hard copy applications forms are available from the Payment Scheme Office, all Citizens Information Centres and all local libraries. Survivors outside Ireland can download a copy of the application form from www.gov.ie/paymentscheme, or get one from their local Irish Embassy or Consulate.
All information on the Scheme, and how to apply, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website - gov.ie/paymentscheme. Resources include an information booklet, questions and answers, and straightforward information and videos on the application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Applicants will be supported throughout the application process with information and advice if they need it.
An extensive information awareness campaign is underway both in Ireland and abroad. Here in Ireland, a number of channels are being employed, including national radio and print ads, local radio and print ads, paid social media activity, digital ads as well as on-the-ground elements such as poster drops to libraries and community centres. Similar activity, apart from radio advertising, is also underway in Britain, USA and Australia, including in-person events led by my officials in England last week.
No comments