Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1752.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of applications received to date under the mother and baby institutions payment scheme; the number of applications processed to date; the number of applications approved to date; the number of applications rejected to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31157/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As at Sunday 14th July 2024, 4,375 applications have been received, of which 3,463 are completed applications and can be processed. Where applications are incomplete, the applicants are being supported by the Payment Scheme Office. Applicants can, for example, submit their application online but choose to send in their certified ID by post or they may need support where they have forgotten to complete a field or attach supporting documents. Overall, we have received positive feedback that applicants are finding the application process straightforward and the information line helpful.

Decisions, or “notices of determinations” have issued in 1,784 cases. Where a notice of determination provides an offer of benefits to applicants, the applicant will have six months to accept the offer and confirmation of acceptance must be accompanied by a signed legal waiver. Thus, the timeframe between the issuing of notices of determination and payments being made will be dependent upon applicants and how long each wishes to take to consider their award. The Payment Scheme Office is ready to process payments promptly once completed acceptances of awards are received.

To date, 508 awards have been accepted by applicants and 459 of those have already been paid, with an average payment of just under €15,500. Just 134 applicants have sought a review of their notice of determination. This number includes all applications where no award was offered and where applicants have queried the award offered. Reviews are processed in a separate administrative channel within the Payment Scheme Office.

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 short 'how to' videos on the application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. The application process is very straightforward and applicants will be supported throughout the 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 recently.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened on 20 March. The scheme will be open for 5 years so any person applying can take their time and does not need to apply in the first year.