I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 to 294, inclusive, together.
The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened on 20 March. The scheme will be open for 5 years so any person applying can take their time and does not need to apply in the first year. I am happy with how the scheme is operating presently, acknowledging that it is still very early days and applicants have 6 months in which to accept their award under the scheme.
As at Sunday 9 June 2024, almost 3,650 application have been received of which 2,634 are completed applications and these are being processed. In the incomplete application category, the applicants are being supported by the Payment Scheme Office. Applicants can, for example, submit their application online but choose to send in their certified ID by post or they may need support where they have forgotten to complete a field or attach supporting documents. Overall, we have received positive feedback that applicants are finding the application process straightforward and the information line helpful.
In almost 550 cases, the first notices of determination have issued to applicants. Where a notice of determination provides an offer of benefits to applicants, the applicant will have six months to accept the offer and confirmation of acceptance must be accompanied by a signed legal waiver. Thus, the timeframe between the issuing of notices of determination and payments being made will be dependent upon applicants and how long each wishes to take to consider their award. The Payment Scheme Office is ready to process payments promptly once completed acceptances of awards are received. There are currently 83 payments at acceptance of offer stage and these are currently being processed. To date 5 applicants have been paid and received their award into their bank accounts. The awards paid to date range from €20,000 - €40,000, with an average payment of €31,000 being awarded. There are a small number of cases where the award has been refused and these are now proceeding to the review stage.
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 application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. The application process is very straightforward and applicants will be supported throughout the process with information and advice if they need it.
An extensive information awareness campaign is underway both in Ireland and abroad. Here in Ireland, a number of channels are being employed, including national radio and print ads, local radio and print ads, paid social media activity, digital ads as well as on-the-ground elements such as poster drops to libraries and community centres. Similar activity, apart from radio advertising, is also underway in Britain, USA and Australia, including in-person events led by my officials in England last month.
