I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 226 together.
The ex-gratia scheme was introduced in response to a particular set of circumstances where people had discontinued their case against the State prior to the European Court of Human Rights Judgement in the Louise O’Keeffe case. We undertook a review of the scheme in response to a determination by the Independent Assessor, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill that one of the criteria for eligibility is incompatible with the ECtHR judgement. The Independent Assessor’s decision can be accessed in full at the Department's website.
The review of the ex-gratia scheme has yet to be concluded and no decisions are being made as to the eligibility or otherwise of individuals.