Applications to Ireland’s mother and baby home redress scheme have increased sharply since the Government launched a national awareness campaign. More than 200 people have applied in recent weeks, while hundreds of others have contacted the scheme to ask whether they qualify.
The rise is being welcomed by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, but officials and survivor advocates say many potentially eligible people have still not applied. The payment scheme will remain open until March 2029.
Mother and baby home redress applications increase
The 12-week campaign began on August 24 and is being promoted through national and local newspapers, radio, digital platforms and social media. Outreach is also taking place overseas, including in the UK and the United States, where some survivors now live.
In the campaign’s first week, 58 applications were submitted. That compares with an average of about 14 applications per week before the campaign began, representing an increase of roughly 360 per cent.
The latest figures bring the total number of applicants to almost 7,600. More than 5,500 payments have been issued under the scheme so far.
- The redress scheme opened for applications in March 2024.
- It is scheduled to close in March 2029.
- Almost 7,600 people have applied.
- More than 5,500 payments have been made.
- Payments have ranged from €5,000 to €94,000.
Why awareness remains a concern
The increase follows concerns about the relatively low number of applications compared with the estimated number of people eligible for support. As of July, 7,385 people had applied, equivalent to about 21 per cent of those considered eligible at that point.
Approximately 34,000 survivors are estimated to qualify for the scheme. However, eligibility rules mean that many people connected to the institutions are excluded. Those exclusions include some people who spent fewer than six months in an institution and children who were boarded out, an earlier form of alternative care.
Patricia Carey, the special advocate for survivors, previously said the uptake should be higher at the halfway point of the scheme. She has urged the State to ensure that eligible survivors and affected people in Ireland and abroad receive clear information about how to apply.
The figures also show a substantial increase in requests for guidance. The scheme’s confidential freephone helpline received more than 520 calls after the campaign began, compared with a previous weekly average of between 50 and 60 calls. More than 660 emails and online messages were also received, against an earlier average of approximately 70 to 80 per week.
Payments already issued under the scheme
About €78 million has been paid to applicants so far. The average payment is approximately €15,500, although individual awards vary according to the circumstances covered by the scheme.
Previous Department of Children figures put the payment range at between €5,000 and €94,000. The scheme has an overall budget of €800 million.
The redress programme is part of the State’s response to the experiences of people who spent time in mother and baby institutions and related settings. For survivors, the application process may involve reviewing personal records and establishing whether the relevant eligibility requirements are met.
What the Government is saying
Minister for Children Norma Foley welcomed the increase in applications and encouraged people who may qualify to contact the scheme. She highlighted the fact that the programme will remain open for several more years, giving potential applicants time to seek information and submit an application.
The Department of Children said the recent response demonstrated the value of the campaign, while also indicating that further outreach is necessary. The continuing availability of support through telephone, email and online channels is intended to help people who are uncertain about their eligibility.
What happens next?
The awareness campaign will continue for its planned 12-week duration across Ireland and in overseas locations. The scheme itself remains open until March 2029, so people do not need to apply immediately, but survivor representatives are encouraging eligible individuals to begin gathering information early.
People seeking information should use the official scheme website or helpline rather than relying on informal social media advice. Officials can explain the application process and whether an individual’s circumstances may fall within the scheme’s rules.
Frequently asked questions
When did the redress scheme open?
Applications opened in March 2024.
When will applications close?
The scheme is due to remain open until March 2029.
How many people have applied?
Almost 7,600 people have applied, with more than 5,500 payments made.
How can survivors get information?
Applicants can visit paymentscheme.ie or call the confidential freephone helpline on 1800 843 354.
Are all people connected to mother and baby institutions eligible?
No. Eligibility rules exclude some groups, including certain people who spent fewer than six months in an institution and children who were boarded out. The official scheme can provide guidance on individual circumstances.
Why this matters for survivors
The surge in enquiries suggests that many people had not been aware of the redress scheme or were unsure whether they could apply. Reaching survivors living outside Ireland is especially important because the eligible population is spread across different countries and communities.
For those who qualify, the payment may provide recognition as well as financial assistance. The campaign’s next phase will be measured not only by additional applications, but also by whether people receive accessible answers about eligibility, documentation and the process ahead.
Conclusion
The rise in mother and baby home redress applications is a significant response to the Government’s awareness campaign, but the overall uptake remains below the estimated number of eligible survivors. With the scheme open until March 2029, potential applicants in Ireland and abroad should check the official guidance and contact the service directly. The central message is clear: mother and baby home redress applications are still being accepted, and people who believe they may qualify should seek information without delay.
