Controversial redress scheme for mother and baby home survivors to open on March 20

Teddy's and toys along with flowers sit at the 'Little Angels' memorial plot in the grounds of Bessborough House in Blackrock, Cork. Picture: Laura Hutton/RollingNews.ie

The long-awaited controversial redress scheme for mother and baby home survivors will open on March 20, the Minister for Children has announced.

The compensation scheme — the most expensive in the history of the State — is expected to cost around €800m.

In an email to survivors, former residents, their families, and advocates on Tuesday, Roderic O’Gorman described the opening of the payment scheme as “a highly significant milestone”.

He said: "I am pleased to announce that the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme will open to applications on 20 March 2024.

“This is obviously a highly significant milestone in the Government’s overall response to the legacy of these institutions and has been long-awaited by many of you.

“Inside the Quarterly Update, you will find information relating to the opening of the Scheme, how you can apply, and what you will need in order to make an application.” 

The email also outlines how an online application portal as well as a hard copy form will be available from March 20. It add that in the meantime “there are other things you can do to get ready”.

In the department’s Quarterly Update on their website, information has been provided on what documentation will be needed to prepare for the application.

Mr O'Gorman continued: “I am very conscious that many potential applicants to the scheme are elderly, and so I would like to reassure you that, in line with my long-standing promise to you, the scheme will give priority to older applicants.” 

Thousands of survivors, however, will not be eligible for the scheme. It excludes those in a home for less than six months and those who were fostered out.

In a second update, Mr O'Gorman also announced the appointment of a Special Advocate for Survivors.

He said following an independent and open recruitment campaign conducted by the Public Appointments Service, Patricia Carey has been appointed as Special Advocate for Survivors.

Ms Carey will take up her role as Special Advocate from March 25.