Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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524. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the six month eligibility criteria under the mother-and-baby-home redress scheme will be reviewed; her views on excluding persons who may have been resident for a period five days short of the six month stay requirement is acceptable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28480/25]

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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548. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are any proposals to review or potentially eliminate the six month residency timeframe with respect to persons seeking to access the mother and baby institutions payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27175/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 548 together.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme acknowledges circumstances experienced while resident in a Mother and Baby Institution and the associated conditions, shame and stigma endured over a period of time. Using time spent as the deciding factor, 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. This non-adversarial approach ensures that those who spent longer periods of time in these institutions, and endured the harshest conditions, receive the highest level of support.

The six month eligibility criterion was initially presented in the Commission of Investigation report and was subsequently included in the report of the interdepartmental working group which was asked to scope out the Payment Scheme.

The underpinning legislation for the Scheme provides for a number of reports and reviews to be produced. Section 12 provides for annual reports to be prepared by 30 June by the Chief Deciding Officer of the Scheme. These reports are to include details on applications, determinations, staffing and training. Section 48 provides for two reviews into the operation of the Scheme to be completed. The first is to be completed within six months of the Scheme’s second anniversary, by September 2026.

As I have not yet received any of these reports and reviews, it would be premature to consider changes to eligibility at this time.

It is acknowledged that some survivors are not eligible for the Scheme and are disappointed by this. However, it should be noted that the Payment Scheme is just one of a large suite of actions being undertaken to respond to the legacy of these institutions under the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions.

For those who spent shorter periods of time in institutions as young children, the overwhelming priority need which has been expressed by survivors has been access to records. As of 19th May 2025, under the Birth Information and Tracing Act, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and Tusla have completed more than 15,800 applications for information. All applications are processed in accordance with statutory timeframes.

Other actions in the Action Plan include the provision of counselling supports, the services of the Special Advocate, both already in place, as well as the ongoing development of a National Centre for Research and Remembrance.