Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
551. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a redress board will be established considering the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters. [3763/21]
View answer552. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on making St. Brigid’s Day a national holiday in memory of all of the victims and survivors of mother and baby institutions. [3764/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 551 and 552 together.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) will develop proposals for a bespoke ex-gratia Restorative Recognition Scheme to provide financial recognition in respect of the issues examined by the Commission of Investigation.
The IDG will examine the three specific groups identified by the Commission in its recommendations, but is not restricted to these. My Secretary General will chair the IDG and nominations have been sought from relevant departments. The terms of reference for this work have been drafted and will be finalised and agreed by the IDG.
I want the scheme to be designed as early as possible in 2021. The IDG is tasked with reporting by the end of April to enable specific proposals to be brought to Government. This is a hugely important process for all connected to these institutions and I will be working with colleagues and survivors to advance these matters as a priority.
In responding to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation, the Government approved development of a Strategic Action Plan encompassing a suite of measures. We will take a survivor-centred approach, with consistent engagement with former residents and their representative groups, on the development and implementation of these measures.
