Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2026
2218. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of people who have applied for the ex gratia Stardust recognition payment scheme; the number of successful applicants who have not yet received payment; the reasons for any delays in issuing payments; and the expected timeframe for all outstanding payments to be completed. [56301/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 16 February, I announced the details of the Stardust Recognition Payment Scheme. The scheme is available to all survivor beneficiaries of the original Stardust Victims Compensation Tribunal established in 1985. The Stardust Recognition Scheme can be accessed online at www.stardustrecognitionpayment.ie and applications can be made online or by post. A Stardust Recognition Payment Helpline has also been set up that is available during office hours, for those who wish to request an application form to be sent to their home address.
Since the Stardust Recognition Payment Scheme opened in February, over 500 applications have been made. Completed applications are reviewed by the Stardust Recognition Payment Unit for completeness. In making an application, applicants consent to providing any relevant information requested by the Stardust Recognition Payment Unit that is required to validate their application. Once all criteria are met, the applicant is then contacted to finalise arrangements and information for payment.
Progress is continuing in the processing of applications. As of 22 July 2026, 94 applications have been authorised for payment. Payments to these applicants have been made to their designated bank account. Further applications are proceeding towards final validation, and I expect the number of payments to increase further in the coming weeks.
As the scheme remains open for applications up until 5pm 17 August 2026, it is not possible at this time to provide a definitive timeline for final payments to be made.
