William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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281. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will provide an update on the status of an appeal on behalf of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16425/25]

William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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282. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will provide an update on the status of an appeal on behalf of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16426/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.

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.

If an applicant is dissatisfied with a decision on their application, they can request a review. Requesting a review is a very straightforward process for the applicant but it rightly triggers a very comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the application within the Payment Scheme Office. After a review, if an applicant is dissatisfied with a review decision they may request an appeal. Appeals Officers operate independently outside of the Department.

Whilst I cannot explicitly comment on specific applications, staff from the Payment Scheme Office will follow up with the Deputy directly in respect of the applications to which the Deputy refers.