Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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26. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 17 June 2025, for an update on efforts to secure further contributions from the religious organisations associated with the mother and baby institutions payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49952/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In April of this year I published the "Report on Negotiations with Religious Organisations associated with the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme" that had been prepared by the Independent Negotiator, Ms Sheila Nunan.

With regard to those organisations mentioned in the Report who have not chosen to make a contribution to the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, I can confirm that I have written to them to express my disappointment at their approach and to outline my belief that more could and should be done by them in terms of offering contributions. The purpose of my contact was also to invite each of them to reflect on the content of the Nunan Report and take the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the Payment Scheme.

My Departmental officials have been - and remain - at all times available to engage with these organisations in the event that they are willing to take up this invitation and make a meaningful contribution.

My officials are engaged with the Office of the Attorney General to consider what other options may be available to the State in this matter.

I can confirm to the Deputy that in following up on the significant offer of contribution of approximately €12.9 million to the Mother and Baby Homes Payment Scheme made by the Sisters of Bon Secour, my officials are at present in contact with the representatives for the Sisters of Bon Secours, to facilitate the formalities in respect of this offer of a contribution, with a view to having it transferred to the State. I would note the positive engagement to date in this process.

In addition, the Deputy will be aware that a formal proposal was received from the Daughters of Charity, to transfer, by way of voluntary contribution, its title to a property to the Department, permanently and without encumbrance. The property is currently in use by the Department of Education and subject to an informal leasing arrangement for the purposes of running a community based high-support school for children considered “at risk”. The Order has also confirmed that any payment of rent or other costs by the Department of Education to the Order will cease from the date on which the title is transferred, or beforehand, if so agreed by the parties and their advisors. Ms Nunan recommended that the above proposal from the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul should be actively considered at the earliest opportunity. In this regard, officials are assessing this matter.