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Lawyers sought for baby home payment appeals

The State is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from those with legal experience to act as independent appeals officers for the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme. 

The department is looking for applicants with legal and/or mediation experience, who will be appointed for 12 months with an option to renew for a further 12 months.

This scheme is managed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) and runs from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme provides financial payments and an enhanced medical card or health support payment to defined groups in acknowledgement of circumstances they experienced while resident in Mother and Baby and County Home institutions.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act was signed into law on 11 July 2023 to allow operation from March 2024.

Outcome

This legislation provides that if an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of a review of their original determination, they may request an appeal.

The appeals process is an independent one and appeals are undertaken to one of a panel of appeals officers appointed by the minister.

Applicants should have a minimum of three years’ experience as a solicitor or barrister, or as a professional mediator.

DCEDIY initially intends to appoint five independent appeals officers but this number may increase.

Training will be provided.

The closing date for receipt of applications, is 21 June.

Queries may be emailed to motherandbabyhomes@equality.gov.ie