Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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764. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to examine the case of a person (details supplied) appealing refused redress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7575/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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. That said, I will try to be helpful in general terms.

The Scheme recognises time spent in a Mother and Baby Institution and, in this way, the associated harsh conditions, shame and stigma endured over a period of time. Among the eligibility criteria for the Scheme is the requirement for children to have spent at least 180 days in a relevant institution - at issue in the information you have provided.

This criteria based on time spent is intended to support a non-adversarial approach which avoids the need for applicants to have to bring forward evidence or prove abuse or harm. It is not intended to disregard or diminish any person’s experience. The Government recognises, however, that there are people who will be disappointed by this approach.

For children who spent less than six months in an institution and who were adopted in infancy or left the institution with their birth family, the priority need expressed by survivors was access to records. This was addressed in 2022 with the commencement of the Birth Information and Tracing Act. As of 17th February 2025, under the Birth Information and Tracing Act, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and Tusla have completed almost 15,200 applications for information. All applications are processed in accordance with statutory timeframes.

It is important to emphasise that the Payment Scheme is just one element of the Government’s response to the country’s complex legacy of Mother and Baby Institutions. Of the seven major commitments set out in the Government Action Plan for Survivors, published in November 2021, six are now delivered and in place, with the seventh well underway. One of these commitments is counselling support for all survivors and former residents regardless of time spent in an institution. This support is in place, is free of charge, and survivors and former residents can self refer or be referred by a medical professional.

Finally, I wish to highlight that, in addition to a range of supports for applicants to the Payment Scheme such as a help-line, 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.

In this case, I suggest that the applicant in question contact the helpline directly - 01 522 9992 - and I am sure they will be assisted appropriately.