Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1007. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeframe for when payments will be made to those who successfully apply for the mother and baby home redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36071/23]
View answer1041. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the mother-and-baby-home redress scheme will open for applications; when redress payments are likely to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36471/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1007 and 1041 together.
I am acutely aware of the sense of urgency surrounding the establishment of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme and I am focused on delivering the Scheme as soon as possible.
To that end, a significant milestone was achieved on 11 July with the enactment of the underpinning legislation - the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023.
This Act allows for the establishment of an Executive Office in my Department to oversee the Scheme and the appointment of the Chief Deciding Officer in that office, as well as the staff needed to support the performance of his or her functions.
It also allows for the making of the necessary regulations which must be in place prior to the Scheme opening and provides a lawful basis for access to records and other information which are essential to processing of applications.
With the Act in place, my Department can now complete the administrative structures required to deliver the Scheme. A number of months will be needed to transition to a live Scheme.
