Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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129. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications received, the number approved, and the amount of money paid out to date under the mother and baby institutions payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61494/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024. As at end October 2025, almost 6,900 applications have been received.

Almost 6,300 Notices of Determination have issued to applicants, over 82% 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 of payments made under the Payment Scheme to date amounts to over €76 million.

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.