Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

41. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 18 June 2024, the number of applications to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme received to date; the number refused and the reasons therefor; the number where a notification of a positive determination has been made; the number accepted; of those accepted, the number fully completed and the value of each, in tabular form; the average time from receipt of application to receipt of payment; if he is satisfied with the way in which the scheme is operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39111/24]

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

The Deputy has sought some statistics pertaining to the operation of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme which I provide here up to 30 September.

Note:

* 622 of these are incomplete applications. In such cases, applicants are being supported by the Payment Scheme Office in order to provide the outstanding information required so that their application can move forward. This could be, for example, a supporting document such as certified photo ID.

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. Overall, we have received positive feedback that applicants are finding the application process straightforward and the information line helpful.

We have also received some feedback regarding delays in the Scheme. Delays may emerge 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 so 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. Overall, the Payment Scheme Office are constantly working to improve the applicant experience and reduce processing times, taking on board feedback from survivors and other stakeholders, 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.

Where notices of determination are issued that do not provide an offer of benefits there can be different reasons e.g. hard copy application naming an institution not in the Scheme or less than 180 days in an institution as a child.