Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
666. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on the review of their mother and baby institutions payment scheme application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13995/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I try to be helpful at all times in the parliamentary process, I cannot be involved in individual cases and cannot comment on same.
The legislation underpinning the Payment Scheme - the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023 - specifically provides for the explicit independence of the Chief Deciding Officer in administering the application process and making decisions on applications. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in the process in relation to the status of individual applications.
In addition to a range of applicant supports such as a help-line, public representatives can contact the Payment Scheme Office via a dedicated email address paymentschemereps@equality.gov.ie if they are assisting constituents in relation to the Scheme.
It is ultimately the aim of the Payment Scheme Office to ensure the correct benefits are made available to the correct applicants in as timely a manner as possible.
In this case, I suggest that the applicant in question contact the helpline directly - 01 522 9992 - and I am sure they will be assisted appropriately.
