Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
947. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the review of the mother and baby institutions payment scheme is running to time; if it is proposed that the review will be debated by Oireachtas, both before and after it is conducted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34325/26]
View answerThe Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024.
The underpinning legislation for the Scheme provides for a number of reports and reviews to be produced. Section 48 of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act provides for two reviews of the operation of the Scheme, the first of which must commence within 6 months of the second anniversary of its establishment, i.e. by September 2026.
The scope of the review is prescribed in the Act. It is focused on administrative and operational delivery aspects of the Scheme. It will consider issues such as the level of uptake of the Scheme, the experience of applicants, the extent to which payments have been made and if the Scheme is achieving its purpose. I may also consider any other matter relevant to the administration of the Scheme. I will ensure the review report will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
While the review has not yet commenced, the preparatory work for it is already well underway.
