Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
424. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the date and month the enhanced medical cards will be issued to the survivors of the mother and baby institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56029/21]
View answerAs part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation, the Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. This Scheme will include a financial payment and a form of enhanced medical card.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for the Scheme. The work of the IDG has been guided by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors which took place during March and April, with a very strong response received to that consultation process.
I intend to bring proposals on the Scheme to Cabinet this week. It is not possible to provide further details on the Scheme in advance of proposals being agreed by Government but once they are approved, I will publish them immediately. My Department will also continue with the significant work necessary, and already in progress, to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications in 2022.
