The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme acknowledges circumstances experienced while resident in a Mother and Baby institution and the associated conditions, shame and stigma endured over a period of time. Using time spent as the deciding factor is intended to support a non-adversarial approach which avoids the need for applicants to have to bring forward evidence or prove abuse or harm. This non-adversarial approach ensures that those who spent longer periods of time in these institutions, and endured the harshest conditions, receive the highest level of support.
A number of changes have been made to the Scheme since its opening in order to simplify the application process and facilitate access to benefits for survivors. In particular, both myself and my predecessor, have made regulations to extend the concluding year for sixteen county home institutions, thereby expanding access to the Scheme for certain additional survivors. In addition, we have made changes to the Ministerial Guidelines for the Scheme, such as expanding the range of proofs for ID and residence authentication, ensuring a more applicant-friendly and efficient application process.
Such improvements have been allowable under the underpinning legislation for the Scheme. In more general terms, substantive changes to the scope of the Scheme would generally require primary legislation and be a matter for the Oireachtas.
The six month eligibility criterion - in place for children survivors - was initially presented in the Commission of Investigation report and was subsequently included in the report of the interdepartmental working group which was asked to scope out the Payment Scheme.
It is acknowledged that some survivors are not eligible for the Scheme and are disappointed by this. However, it should be noted that the Payment Scheme is just one of a large suite of actions being undertaken to respond to the legacy of these institutions under the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions.
For those who spent shorter periods of time in institutions as young children, the overwhelming priority need which has been expressed by survivors has been access to records. To date, under the Birth Information and Tracing Act, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and Tusla have completed over 18,100 applications for information. All applications are processed in accordance with statutory timeframes.
Other actions in the Action Plan include the provision of counselling supports, the representation of survivor issues by the Special Advocate, both already in place, as well as the ongoing development of a National Centre for Research and Remembrance.
