Roderic O'Gorman

The scheme, which the government has promised since 2021, will be open for applications from 20 March 2024. Around 34,000 people are expected to qualify for payments under the scheme.

Roderic O’Gorman, the minister for children, equality, disability, integration and youth, said: “I am pleased to confirm that the mother and baby institutions payment scheme will open in a matter of weeks, on 20 March.

“I had committed to opening the scheme this quarter and I know that many survivors and former residents have been waiting for this news.

“Given its scale, time has been needed to get the structures in place to open the scheme and, as we approach the opening date, staff are continuing to work hard, to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible for applicants.

“Once the scheme opens, the Payment Scheme Office will process all applications as quickly as possible, with the first payments expected to be made in quarter two of this year.

“As promised, the scheme will give priority to applications according to the age of the applicant, and so applications from older people will be prioritised.”

More information can be found at www.gov.ie/paymentscheme.