Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1216. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the expected date of the introduction of enhanced medical cards to survivors of mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18233/21]
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. This scheme will include a restorative recognition payment and a form of enhanced medical card. An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) has been set up to develop detailed proposals for both the restorative recognition payment and the enhanced medical card. To support and inform the work of the IDG, a public consultation process took place during March and a report detailing the outcomes of that consultation is currently being prepared for submission to the IDG. As the work of the IDG is ongoing, the specific details of the Restorative Recognition Scheme are not yet decided. The IDG will submit their proposals to me before they are brought to Government for approval. It is not possible at this time to provide an expected date for implementation of the scheme. However, I am very committed to ensuring that the work in this regard is progressed as a priority so that the scheme is available to survivors as soon as possible following Government approval.
