Tipperary Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne is calling for aspects of the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 to be revisited.
The purpose of the Bill is to provide health, education, and advocacy supports to survivors of residential institutional abuse.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Browne says the scheme is too restrictive, while certain aspects were so incomplete that survivors may yet again have to campaign for what they should rightfully entitled.
The areas of concern relate to the two different types of medical cards being offered to the people involved – the TD is calling for the introduction of special card for the beneficiaries of the Scheme to be known as a Health Amendment Act or HAA Card which would give all holders the same benefits.
The lump sum payment proposed for survivors living abroad is also an area of concern and the TD is asking the Government to ensure that the recipient receives the full sum they are entitled to regardless of any restrictions in their country of residence. Deputy Browne also supports a call for the payment to be index linked.
