Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
589. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of applications received to-date under the mother and baby institutions payment scheme; the number of applications processed to date; the number of applications approved to date; the number of applications rejected to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19322/24]
View answerThe Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened on 20 March.
As at Sunday 28th April, over 1,900 complete applications have been received and are being processed. This is in addition to a number of incomplete applications where applicants may have, for example, submitted their application online but chosen to send in their certified ID by post or may be getting some support from the Payment Scheme Office where they have forgotten to complete a field or attach supporting documents. I am happy to report that we have received positive feedback in relation to the straightforward application process and the supportive helpline.
Some 600 of the complete applications are at determination stage and the first notices of determination have issued to applicants. Where a notice of determination provides an offer of benefits to applicants, the applicant will have six months to accept the offer and confirmation of acceptance must be accompanied by a signed legal waiver. Thus, the timeframe between the issuing of notices of determination and payments being made will be dependent upon how long each applicant wishes to take to consider their award. The Payment Scheme Office is ready to process payments promptly once completed acceptances of awards are received.
All information on the Scheme, and how to apply, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website - gov.ie/paymentscheme. Resources include an information booklet, questions and answers, and short 'how to' videos on the straightforward application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Applicants will be supported throughout the application process with information and advice if they need it.
