Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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248. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding the redress scheme for mother and baby home survivors, if those deemed eligible for redress are automatically entitled to an enhanced medical card; if the enhanced medical card is means tested; how this card differs from a standard medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38228/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The legislation that underpins the Scheme provides that a person who spent at least 180 days as a mother or child in a Mother and Baby or County Home Institution, as listed in Schedule 1 of the Act, is eligible for the health supports in the form of an enhanced medical card. This medical card is not means-tested, is not subject to intermittent review and will be available to the recipient throughout their lifetime.

It is intended that the enhanced medical card will ensure the provision, without charge, of the following primary and community health services for those eligible:

• GP services;
• prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances
• dental, ophthalmic and aural services;
• home nursing;
• home support;
• counselling;
• chiropody/podiatry; and
• physiotherapy.

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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249. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update regarding an application made by a company on behalf of a person (details supplied); if he could provide an approximate timeframe indicating when this applicant will receive compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38247/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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While I try to be helpful at all times in the parliamentary process, the Deputy will be aware that I cannot be involved in individual cases and cannot comment on same.

The legislation underpinning the Payment Scheme - the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023 - specifically provides for the explicit independence of the Chief Deciding Officer in administering the application process and making decisions on applications. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in the process in relation to the status of individual applications.

All information on the Scheme, and the application process, 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 straightforward application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Applicants will be supported throughout the application process with information and advice as and when they may need it.

In addition to all these applicant supports, public representatives can contact the Payment Scheme Office via a dedicated email address if they are assisting constituents in relation to the Scheme.

It is not at all necessary for applicants to use a legal firm to submit an application, but where it does happen, as in this case, it is possible that delays can arise since communications have to progress through a third party, thereby doubling up on timelines. At this point, I suggest that the applicant in question, or the legal firm representing him, contacts the helpline directly and I am sure they will be assisted appropriately.