Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

739. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which a person can recoup from the State the charge levied on families to release a family member from country homes and or mother and baby home institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37660/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024. The 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. Whilst financial payments and health supports are available to eligible individuals through the Scheme, it is beyond the scope of the Department to provide direct financial payments in the manner to which the Deputy refers.

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. Of the 22 commitments contained in the Action Plan, 13 are completed and 9 are in progress.

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.