Mother and Baby Homes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2023

Wednesday, 1 February 2023

Ceisteanna (165)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

165. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the niece of a deceased woman (details supplied) who spent time in a mother and baby home is eligible to access the redress scheme; if this negates the claim for compensation if the child of the deceased woman was adopted on the mother's behalf; and if so, if this then allows the next of kin, a niece make a claim instead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5042/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Section 32 of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill provides that the personal representative of a deceased relevant person, who died on or after 13 January 2021, can apply to the Scheme. The personal representative will be acting on behalf of the deceased person's estate and any award from the Scheme arising from that application will be made for the benefit of the deceased person's estate.

The legislation is currently being progressed through the Houses. In advance of being opened for applications, the Scheme will be advertised extensively both nationally and abroad. An information summary providing details on the Scheme as currently being designed is available to view on my department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/0c637-mother-and-baby-institutions-payment-scheme/.