Applications to Ireland’s Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme have more than tripled since a nationwide awareness campaign began in August, according to new figures from the Department of Children. The increase has brought renewed attention to a redress programme that remains open to thousands of people who may be eligible to apply.
Key facts about the redress scheme
- Weekly applications rose from an average of 14 to about 51.
- A further 308 people applied after the awareness campaign began.
- Total applications have now passed 7,600.
- Approximately 6,200 payments have been issued since the scheme opened in March 2024.
- The scheme is expected to remain open until March 2029.
Why applications increased
The rise followed a national campaign designed to make survivors and their families more aware of the payment scheme. Alongside the increase in applications, the Department of Children reported more telephone calls, requests for paper forms and online enquiries.
Before the campaign, the scheme received an average of about 14 applications each week. That figure subsequently increased to approximately 51, representing more than a threefold rise in weekly applications.
The department’s figures show that 308 additional people submitted applications after August. The total is significant, but it remains below the estimated number of people who could qualify. Around 34,000 survivors are believed to be eligible to apply.
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What the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme provides
The scheme provides financial redress to eligible people who spent time in a recognised mother and baby institution. It opened in March 2024 and has already resulted in about 6,200 payments to successful applicants.
Payments made under the programme have averaged approximately €15,500. Individual awards have ranged from €5,000 to €94,000, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the criteria applied under the scheme.
About €78 million had been distributed by August, against an overall budget of €800 million. The figures underline the gap between the money available under the programme and the number of people who have applied so far.
Applications are confidential
The Department of Children has said that people do not need to provide institutional records, exact dates or detailed accounts of their experiences when applying. Applications are handled confidentially, and guidance and support are available throughout the process.
This information may be particularly important for survivors who are uncertain about their eligibility or who do not have personal documents relating to their time in an institution. The department has encouraged people who believe they may qualify, as well as relatives or support workers assisting them, to make contact for advice.
How to find out more
Potential applicants can visit paymentscheme.ie or contact the scheme’s Freephone service. The programme is scheduled to remain open until March 2029, giving people time to seek information, consider their options and submit an application if they choose.
Survivors’ concerns about awareness
The latest figures follow concerns from survivor advocates that too few people had applied. Patricia Carey, who was born in Bessborough mother and baby institution in Cork and campaigns on behalf of survivors, had previously expressed serious concern that fewer than 7,400 applications had been made by August.
The campaign’s effect suggests that lack of awareness may have been one factor preventing eligible people from engaging with the scheme. The rise in calls and requests for paper forms also indicates that applicants may require different ways to access information and complete the process.
What happens next?
The department is expected to continue providing information and processing applications during the remaining period of the scheme. The government’s message is that people should not assume they need complete records or precise dates before seeking advice.
For survivors and those supporting them, the practical next steps are:
- Check the official eligibility information on the scheme website.
- Contact the Freephone service if clarification or support is needed.
- Request a paper application form if applying online is not suitable.
- Submit an application before the March 2029 closing date.
Frequently asked questions
When did the payment scheme begin?
The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme launched in March 2024.
How many applications have been made?
More than 7,600 applications had been submitted following the additional 308 applications recorded after the awareness campaign began.
How many payments have been made?
Approximately 6,200 payments have been made to successful applicants since the scheme opened.
Do applicants need institutional records?
No. The Department of Children says applicants do not need to provide institutional records, exact dates or detailed accounts of their experiences.
When does the scheme close?
The scheme is due to remain open until March 2029.
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Conclusion
The sharp rise in Mother and Baby Home redress applications shows the impact of targeted public information, while also highlighting how many potential applicants have yet to come forward. With the scheme open until March 2029, survivors and those supporting them can seek confidential guidance without first locating institutional records or knowing every detail of their history. The clearest takeaway is that anyone who believes they may be eligible should contact the official scheme before deciding whether to apply.
