Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023

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Review of operation of Scheme

48. (1) The Minister shall cause a review of the operation of the Scheme to be commenced—

(a) as soon as possible after the day that is the second anniversary of the establishment day, but not later than 6 months after that day, and

(b) as soon as possible after the cessation date, but not later than 6 months after that date.

(2) A review under this section shall consider the following matters:

(a) the extent to which persons who are entitled to a payment, or eligible for the provision without charge of health services, under the Scheme have made applications under Part 3 ;

(b) in relation to each payment and service referred to in section 18 , the proportion of applicants who—

(i) have applied for, and

(ii) are determined, after any review or appeal has concluded or where no such review has been sought or appeal made and the period for seeking such review or making such appeal has expired—

(I) to be entitled to or eligible for, or

(II) not to be entitled to or eligible for,

such payment or the provision of such service;

(c) the extent to which general payments and work-related payments have been made to relevant persons in accordance with the Scheme;

(d) the application, assessment and review processes under the Scheme, including the experience of applicants and persons to whom section 39 (3) applies of these;

(e) details of payments;

(f) the extent to which health services have been provided without charge to persons who are eligible under the Scheme for such provision;

(g) the extent to which health support payments have been made to relevant persons in accordance with the Scheme;

(h) the training provided to the Chief Deciding Officer and the staff of the Office of the Chief Deciding Officer;

(i) whether the Scheme is achieving or, where applicable, has achieved the purpose specified in section 5 (2);

(j) any other matter relevant to the administration of the Scheme as may be specified by the Minister.

(3) Where a review under this section is completed, a report in writing of the findings of the review shall be prepared and submitted to the Minister.

(4) The Minister shall cause a report in writing of the findings of the review under subsection (1) to be prepared and submitted to him or her and, as soon as may be after it is so submitted, shall cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.