Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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164. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason his Department has put a cap of 180 days on the mother and baby redress scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28401/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme recognises time spent in a Mother and Baby Institution and, in this way, the associated harsh conditions endured over a period of time. The requirement for children to have spent at least 180 days in a relevant institution is not intended to disregard or diminish any person’s experience and Government recognises that there are people who will be disappointed by this.

The Government proposals for the Payment Scheme were developed following deliberations on the very complex issues in question. They were informed by a consultation process undertaken with survivors, as well as a report and proposals from an Interdepartmental Group (IDG). Government ultimately decided on proposals which were, in overall terms, broader than those proposed by the IDG and the recommendations from the Commission of Investigation.

For children who spent less than six months in an institution and who were adopted in infancy or left the institution with their birth family, the priority need expressed by survivors was access to records.

As of 24 June 2024, under the Birth Information and Tracing Act, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and Tusla have completed 13,259 applications for information. All applications are now being processed in accordance with statutory timeframes and there is no backlog.

It is important to emphasise that the Payment Scheme is just one element of the Government’s response to the country’s complex legacy of Mother and Baby Institutions. Of the seven major commitments set out in the Government Action Plan for Survivors, published in November 2021, six are now delivered and in place, with the seventh well underway. One of these commitments is counselling support for all survivors and former residents regardless of time spent in an institution. This support is in place, is free of charge, and survivors and former residents can self refer or be referred by a medical professional.