Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
305. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will negotiate with her counterparts in Britain to ensure that all survivors of institutional abuse to include all schemes related to mother and baby institutions, industrial schools, and Magdalene laundries now living in Britain, who receive financial redress supports or any related settlements should be equally protected (details supplied). [53056/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the concern raised by stakeholders that survivors resident in the UK in particular could lose access to benefits provided by the UK authorities if certain compensation or redress payments, or indeed support payments made under the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025, are included in assessments of means undertaken by the UK authorities.
I also note that similar considerations arise in respect of schemes outside the remit of my Department, including the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, and the Department has engaged with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in this regard.
There has been some positive engagement with relevant UK officials in this regard and it is hoped that a positive outcome will emerge.
However, it should be noted that it will ultimately be a matter for the UK authorities to decide how to treat relevant payments.
