Publication
Do I Need a Solicitor To Apply?
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
There is no need to obtain legal support or advice to submit your application to the Scheme.
The application process is straightforward and the responsibility to check for records lies with the Chief Deciding Officer, not the applicant.
Information on supports available to help you through the application process is available here.
If you decide to accept a payment under the Scheme you will have to sign a legal waiver. A copy of this legal waiver is available here. The waiver says that you will not bring any legal proceedings and will discontinue any proceedings already commenced (if any) against a public body, that relate to the circumstances your application to the Payment Scheme concerns. Signing a waiver will not prevent you from discussing the payment you have received from the Scheme, if that is your wish.
To help you to decide if you want to take the payment and sign the waiver, you will be entitled to receive a capped amount of financial support (up to €500 excluding VAT) for independent legal advice. When you are asked to sign the waiver, you will also already know how much is being offered to you by the Scheme.
Until you accept an offer under the Scheme, you will still have the right to bring a case to court if you wish. If you have received a court settlement in respect of the circumstances experienced and relating to the same time period in the institution or institutions that is being applied for, you will not be eligible to apply for a general payment or work-related payment. However, you may still be eligible for health supports.
Further information is available in the Payment Scheme Information Booklet.
This booklet is also available in Irish. This booklet is also available in Irish.