Mother and baby home redress scheme to open in first three months of 2024
Minister Roderic O’Gorman said that “confidential” negotiations are ongoing with religious bodies that were involved in mother and baby homes, as part of efforts to secure a financial contribution. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes is due to open in the first three months of next year, Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman has said.
Mr O’Gorman told the Dáil on Thursday that “intensive work” is underway within his department on both administrative systems and structures to allow the scheme open to applicants. The scheme had initially been expected to open before the end of 2023.
Mr O'Gorman said that “confidential” negotiations are ongoing with religious bodies that were involved in mother and baby homes, as part of efforts to secure a financial contribution. He said a full report would be provided to Government once these negotiations are concluded.
Asked by Sinn Féin TD Kathleen Funchion about negotiations with pharmaceutical companies, Mr O’Gorman confirmed that he has held a meeting with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), following the Commission of Investigation delivering its final report.
The multinational pharmaceutical company was one of the leading agencies involved in vaccine trials at mother and baby homes. Mr O’Gorman said he spoke with GSK and that he believes “all relevant parties have a moral and ethical obligation” to respond to the commission’s report.
“I urged them to consider the failures laid bare in the commission’s report and respond appropriately, given their corporate responsibilities,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“Ultimately, it is a matter for GSK to decide what action it takes or remedy it offers, having considered the commission’s findings,” he said, adding that the pharmaceutical company has provided arrangements for people to access their personal information within corporate archives.
Ms Funchion questioned, six months on after the appointment of a negotiator, why no details have been released publicly about the negotiations. Mr O’Gorman accepted that there is frustration over a lack of public information, but that it is an ongoing negotiation.
He added that once negotiations are concluded, Government will assess whether or not what is on offer is acceptable. If not, Mr O’Gorman said that the Government will then “consider its options”.
Alongside updates to the redress scheme, Mr O’Gorman announced an action plan for disability services over the next three years. Among the key measures within the plan are a further 900 residential care places and additional supports for young people with disabilities to live at home.
