7. Disparity Between Industrial School Redress and Mother and Baby Home Redress
• Records detailing why survivors of Industrial Schools received higher financial redress payments compared to survivors of Mother and Baby Homes.
• Documentation explaining why no minimum residency period applied to Industrial School survivors, but a 180-day requirement was imposed on Mother and Baby Home survivors.
• Any internal discussions, correspondence, or legal advice on how redress amounts were determined for each category of survivor (Mother and Baby Homes vs. Industrial Schools).
• Reports or assessments comparing the impact of institutional abuse in Industrial Schools vs. Mother and Baby Homes, and how that was factored into payment calculations.
• A list of officials or decision-makers responsible for setting these different payment structures and criteria.
8. Accountability of Interdepartmental Group (IDG) Members
• Records detailing the professional backgrounds, qualifications, and relevant expertise (particularly in trauma, psychology, or child welfare) of each member of the Interdepartmental Group.
• Any records discussing the selection process for these individuals and why they were chosen.
• Minutes or records showing each member’s contributions to discussions on:
- The 180-day exclusion rule.
- The financial valuation of trauma.
- The decision not to include certain institutions (e.g., reclassified children’s homes).
- The lack of excavation at Mother and Baby Home sites.
• Any internal disagreements or objections raised by members regarding these decisions.
• Any communications between these individuals and external consultants, legal advisors, or government officials about the scheme.
• Any records of political or legal advice received on how to structure redress payments and exclusions.
9. Involvement of Religious Orders in the Restorative Recognition Scheme
• Records of meetings, correspondence, or discussions between government departments and religious orders (such as the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy, etc.) regarding their financial or other contributions to the redress scheme.
• Any legal advice, discussions, or negotiations about holding religious institutions accountable for financial compensation to survivors.
• Records of any submissions, objections, or proposals made by religious orders regarding their role in the scheme.
• Any agreements, contracts, or settlements between the Irish government and religious institutions concerning the scheme.
• Any records of government concerns, warnings, or recommendations about the religious orders’ refusal to contribute to redress.