Roderic O'Gorman

Roderic O’Gorman, the minister for children, equality, disability, integration and youth, yesterday published the first annual report on the implementation of the action plan published by ministers in 2021.

The action plan gave 2022 as a target date for legislation underpinning the payment scheme to be published and enacted, which has not been met.

The first implementation report only states that work is “ongoing to 2023”, with the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill published in October 2022.

The report also sets out significant achievements in a number of areas covered by the action plan, with further progress and ongoing work across all thematic areas.

Mr O’Gorman said: “This report details the progress made since publication of the action plan on crucial issues like access to information, safeguarding of records, dignified burial, and memorialisation.

“In the year ahead, intensive work will continue to further progress these, and other, important actions. In particular we will continue to work towards establishing the mother and baby institutions payment scheme as soon as possible.”

He continued: “Since I have taken office, I have been so grateful to all of the survivors and former residents who have engaged with me, and I look forward to our continued engagement as we work to progress these key issues.”