Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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401. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to expedite a mother and baby home compensation claim (details supplied). [38808/24]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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402. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to expedite a mother and baby home compensation claim (details supplied). [38810/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 402 together.

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 paymentschemereps@equality.gov.ie. if they are assisting constituents in relation to the Scheme.

Whilst I cannot explicitly comment on the delays the Deputy references, it is of course possible that delays may emerge during the application process for different reasons, for example if the Payment Scheme Office has to contact applicants to seek further information or if there are issues in the verification of application details. In such cases, the Payment Scheme Office engages with the applicant to resolve those difficulties such that applications can be processed as quickly as possible.

I am advised that each and every application is handled on an individual basis to ensure thorough and accurate processing, and depending on the nature of enquiries, the response timeline can vary. I understand that, if delays are experienced, this can cause concern, and I am advised that the Payment Scheme Office is actively working on improving processing times at all stages of the applicant journey, while upholding the integrity of the Scheme through proper and robust validation processes. It is ultimately the aim of the Payment Scheme Office to ensure the correct award amount is paid to the correct applicant in as timely a manner as possible.

In these cases I suggest that the applicants in question contact the helpline directly and I am sure they will be assisted appropriately.