Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
314. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the Oak Report relating to the Mother and Baby Homes Collaborative Forum will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30301/21]
View answerAs part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters), the Government has committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county home institutions. This scheme will include a restorative recognition payment and a form of enhanced medical card.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was established to develop detailed proposals for the Restorative Recognition Scheme, which must then be brought to Government for approval.
To support and inform the work of the IDG, a public consultation process took place during March and April. This public consultation was undertaken by OAK on behalf of my Department. The input from survivors to that consultation is invaluable in order to develop a scheme that will have their needs at its core. I was delighted with the strong response to the consultation process. Approximately 450 written submissions were received and 17 online meetings were held, with one of these meetings specifically arranged for members of the Collaborative Forum. OAK submitted their final report on the consultation process to the IDG on 17th May.
The development of this scheme is a priority for me and I am aware that the IDG are working extremely hard to ensure that they deliver their report to me very soon. Following this, I will submit recommendations to Government for a decision on the Scheme. The consultation report prepared by OAK and submitted to the IDG will be published after Government has concluded its deliberations.
