Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
473. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify a matter in regard to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20756/24]
View answerThese type of decisions are a matter for the Chief Deciding Officer of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme and it would be inappropriate for me to offer an opinion on what is a precise operational matter.
That said, I will try to be helpful in general terms. The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme provides financial payments and health supports to eligible people who spent time in a Mother and Baby or County Home Institution.
The institutions covered by the Scheme are those identified by the Commission of Investigation as having a main function of providing sheltered and supervised ante and post-natal facilities to single mothers and their children. Ard Mhuire, Dunboyne is one of those institutions and 1991 is the concluding year for benefits relating to this institution as laid out in the underpinning legislation.
Any person who was in an institution for reasons relating to their pregnancy qualifies for the Scheme if they spent more than one night in the institution. I encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible for the Scheme to apply.
All information on the Scheme, and how to apply, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website - gov.ie/paymentscheme. Resources include an information booklet, questions and answers, and short 'how to' videos on the straightforward application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Applicants will be supported throughout the application process with information and advice if they need it.
