Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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280. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will expedite the issuing of the HAA cards, as it offers far more supports and benefits to survivors of industrial schools than the ‘enhanced’ medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33278/25]

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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281. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to expedite the issuing of the Health Amendment Act cards, as it offers far more supports and benefits to survivors of industrial schools than the ‘enhanced’ medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33279/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.

I propose to take PQs 280 and 281 together.

The Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024, which is currently progressing through the legislative process, enables the provision of ongoing health and education supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions.

The package of health supports and services which is provided for in this Bill will ensure survivors who are resident in the State will have access to a range of health supports through the HSE, including GP services, home nursing and home helps, chiropody and podiatry, and physiotherapy.

This approach is consistent with the approach taken in respect of the Magdalen Laundry Restorative Justice Ex Gratia Scheme and the Mother and Baby Institutions Payments Scheme.

This entitlement will be for life and will not be subject to means-tests or periodic reviews.

The “HAA card” was provided for under the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 to meet the needs of those who had contracted Hepatitis C through the administration within the State of contaminated blood and blood products.

A similar approach has been taken in the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 as was taken in the Magdalen and Mother and Baby Homes schemes.