Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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427. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of Recommendation 38 of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, which proposed the creation of a number of research scholarships in memory of the children who died in these institutions; whether an application process for these scholarships has begun or is planned; if any eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, or other selection parameters have been established; and the way in which individuals who wish to pursue research in this area may formally register their interest for consideration. [23372/26]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission of Investigation made a number of recommendations related to education and research, including a recommendation that scholarships should be created for further research in the area of childhood disadvantage. These scholarships should be in memory of all the children who died in Mother and Baby institutions.

In responding to the Commission’s findings and recommendations, in November 2021 the Government approved an Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions, encompassing a suite of 22 specific measures across several distinct themes.

Under Theme 5, Education and Research, the Department established, in partnership with the Irish Research Council, a Postgraduate Scholarship in Childhood Disadvantage in memory of all children who died in Mother and Baby Institutions. This scholarship is offered as part of the Government of Ireland Awards.

Since its establishment, seven scholarships have been funded: the first one was awarded in 2022, four were awarded in 2023 and there has been one awarded annually since then.

The department engages with Research Ireland annually on the funding of any new research scholarships. Funding is provided by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to Research Ireland. The arrangements are managed by Research Ireland and all details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are set out on the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship (GOIPG) website: www.researchireland.ie/funding/government-ireland-postgraduate/.