Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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761. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications to date received for the mother and baby payments scheme; the number of applications approved; the amount paid to date on payments alone, excluding medical cards, administration, operational costs, communications, publicity and legal costs; the total amount to date paid out in medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51138/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024. As at 22 September, over 6,800 applications have been received.

Just under 6,200 Notices of Determination have issued to applicants, over 83% of which contain an offer of benefits under the Scheme. Applicants then have 6 months in which to consider and accept their offer. The total amount which has been paid out to date in general and work related payments is over €73 million. Additionally, €1.3 million has been paid out towards the costs of medical cards for more than 2,000 eligible applicants and a further €1.9 million has been paid out in health-support payments to applicants living overseas.

All information on the Scheme, including how to apply, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website which includes a booklet, questions and answers, and short 'how to' videos on the application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Overall, we have received positive feedback that applicants are finding the application process straightforward and the information line helpful.

The department also publishes summary statistics on the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme every month on its website, available here - www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/campaigns/mother-and-baby-institutions-payment-scheme/#payment-scheme-statistics-summary

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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762. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the 12 month review of the mother and baby payments scheme will commence; the make up the review panel; if she is considering expanding the scheme to include those previously excluded; the length of time she envisages the review will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51139/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024.

The underpinning legislation for the Scheme provides for a number of reports and reviews to be produced. Section 48 provides for two reviews into the operation of the Scheme to be completed. The first review is to be completed within six months of the Scheme’s second anniversary, by September 2026.

This review has not yet commenced but it is anticipated that preparatory work for it will begin in the near future.

In advance of this review, 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 22nd September, under the Birth Information and Tracing Act, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and Tusla have completed almost 16,700 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.