Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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481. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether his attention has been drawn to difficulties experienced by survivors of mother and baby homes in accessing the redress scheme due to the digital format of the application; and the avenues open to those who cannot access the application online or for those with a limited digital literacy. [40240/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I can reassure the Deputy that applicants to the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme do not solely need to use the digital application system which is used by the majority of applicants. It is also possible to apply on a paper application form. This is available in libraries and citizen information centres nationwide or can be posted by the Payment Scheme office if requested. Potential applicants just need to call the helpline - see below - to request the form and helpline staff will also help with any questions about how to fill in the form. So too will staff in the Citizen Information Centres. My department has also engaged with other support organisations such as the National Advocacy Service and Vision Ireland so that they can also assist applicants where they can.

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.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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482. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an estimate of costs for a survey of the grounds of Bessborough mother and baby home, in order to establish the location of the burial grounds of the children and infants buried on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40251/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am very aware of the pain felt by survivors and relatives of the deceased who died at the former Mother and Baby Home, Bessborough. One of the most tragic aspects of what happened is the uncertainty regarding the burial place of many children who were resident there.

There is no particular expertise in my Department in relation to estimating the cost of a geophysical survey. I understand that cost may depend on a number of factors including the precise scope of a survey and techniques used.

I consider it important that decisions about the treatment of the site including any possible investigations give adequate consideration to the views of all family members and survivors groups as well as appropriate experts.