Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1176. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when applications for the mother and baby institutions payment scheme are open, if an individual will be able to apply if they are residing abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12651/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme will open for applications on 20 March.
A dedicated webpage is now live at www.gov.ie/paymentscheme, which contains information on how people will be able to apply to the Payment Scheme, and what information applicants will need.
The Scheme will be promoted through a substantive public awareness campaign that will be delivered both in Ireland and overseas.
Those who live abroad will be able to apply in the same way as someone living in Ireland, once the Scheme opens, that is via the online portal or by post if a paper form is preferable. Regardless of where applicants live, the financial payments from this Scheme are awarded in the same way.
In terms of health benefits available under the Scheme, those benefits available through the enhanced medical card cannot be availed of outside of Ireland. So, for those who live abroad, they can apply for a health support payment valued at €3,000, instead of the enhanced medical card if they wish. For anyone who lives outside Ireland and still wants to be issued with an enhanced medical card in case they return to Ireland either temporarily or permanently, they will need a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). In addition, to avail of the benefits offered through the enhanced medical card, they must be registered with a General Practitioner in Ireland.
