Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
505. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated number of persons eligible for the Magdalene restorative justice ex-gratia scheme and the mother and baby institutions payment scheme respectively, as set out in any preparatory documentation, relied upon by her Department at the time the schemes were established, including any revised estimates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3304/26]
View answer506. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications approved to date under the Magdalene restorative justice ex-gratia scheme and the mother and baby institutions payment scheme, respectively; the percentage uptake of each scheme relative to the estimated eligible population; and whether her Department has conducted, or is aware of any analysis of reasons for non-application or low uptake; if so, to provide those reasons and information for both schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3305/26]
View answerThe Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme was established in 2013. At the time, it was estimated that, based on age profile and period of time the Magdalen Laundries were in operation, up to 1,000 applications might be received under the Scheme. It is important to note however, that with the inclusion of two specific Domestic Training Schools (House of Mercy Training School, Summerhill, Co Wexford and St. Mary’s Training Centre, Stanhope Street, Dublin 7) that were added to the original list of 10 Magdalen Laundries, it was considered difficult to estimate how many additional applications might be received in respect of the two Training Schools.
In 2018, following a recommendation from the Ombudsman, the Government decided that women who worked in the Laundries of the 12 Magdalen institutions identified in the Scheme but who were resident in one of 14 adjoining institutions, could also apply under an Addendum to the Ex-Gratia Scheme. Applications were received from women whose initial application under the Ex-Gratia Scheme had been refused, as well as from new applicants. No information is available on the number of additional applications that it was considered at the time might potentially apply under the Addendum.
To date, the number of applications that have been made and approved under the Ex-Gratia Scheme and under the Addendum are as follows:
Applications Approved & paid
Ex-Gratia Scheme 812 745
Addendum 142 102
(Note: 13 applications were approved/paid under both the Ex-Gratia Scheme and Addendum)
The Scheme has been advertised worldwide and remains open to new applications. The vast bulk of applications were lodged in the early years of the Scheme, with only a very small number of new applications lodged in recent years.
The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024. Over its full lifetime, the Scheme had been tentatively estimated to benefit up to 34,000 people who spent time in Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions and to cost approximately €800 million, inclusive of all awards and associated costs.
While the Department projected higher upfront applicant numbers in the early years of the Scheme, it is open for five years so there is ample time for survivors to apply. It is difficult to predict at what stage across its five-year lifetime applications may materialise, although we do know that, in some previous redress schemes, significant numbers of applications were made towards their closing dates.
As of 9 January 2026, over 7,000 applications have been received. This is over 20% of the estimated 34,000 eligible applicants. Over 6,300 notices of determination have issued to applicants and over 5,150 payments have been paid. The total amount of general and work-related payments paid is €75.7 million. Over 2,700 applicants have also qualified for health benefits (an enhanced medical card for those living in Ireland or health support payments of some €2 million for those living abroad).
All information on the Scheme, including how to apply, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website which includes a booklet, questions and answers, and short 'how to' videos on the application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Overall, we have received positive feedback that applicants are finding the application process straightforward and the information line helpful.
The Department also publishes summary statistics on the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme every month on its website, available here - www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/campaigns/mother-and-baby-institutions-payment-scheme/#payment-scheme-statistics-summary
The Department will continue to do all it can to promote and raise awareness of the Scheme via a significant public awareness campaign. This is operating on a phased basis in Ireland and in jurisdictions overseas that have a significant Irish diaspora. The first phase in early 2024 included press releases, poster placement in public facilities such as libraries, social posts and a paid, phased advertising campaign. The second phase ran in late 2024 with a particular focus on Great Britain through targeted static advertising channels such as London tube advertising posters. The third phase is to run throughout this year. To date, some €1.8 million has been spent on trying to raise awareness of the Scheme across the world.
