The final bill for the Mother-and-Baby Home redress scheme would run to €1.6 billion if the State were to include all children who spent time who spent time in a home.
Under the scheme, which is currently making its way through the Oireachtas, all mothers who spent time in an institution are eligible to apply for redress, but a person who spent time in an institution as a child is only eligible if they spent at least six months there.
Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman told the Oireachtas Committee on Children it would cost €300 million to include those who were under the 6-month time limit bringing the cost to €1.1 billion.
He said if they were allowed access to the enhanced medical card scheme the costs would rise to €1.6 billion.
Minister O'Gorman said the scheme is "designed to ensure that former residents do not have to bring forward evidence of trauma. The best way we can do that is through proof of time spent. That is how we ensure they don’t have to give testimony."
Sinn Féin Deputy Mark Ward told the minister there is "no logical explanation" for excluding some people. He said that this decision will result in 24,000 people being left outside the scheme in a "blatant act of discrimination".
Minister O’Gorman said he has allocated €10 million in this year's budget to set up the system for redress. This will cover the establishment costs, including the setting up of an IT system while the legislation is being passed.
"As soon as the legislation is passed and we can accept applications and make awards we can make a supplementary estimate for the funds."
He told Deputy Holly Kerins of the Social Democrats that he expects the first payments to be made later this year.
Minister O’Gorman also confirmed engagements with the church on making a contribution towards the redress scheme are ongoing.
