The Government is considering legislative changes to pressure religious bodies to contribute to a redress scheme for past residents of mother and baby homes, the Minister for Equality has said. Such a proposal could clash with religious freedom and property rights in the Constitution.

Roderic O’Gorman told the Irish Times that the Government will “consider its options” if religious congregations do not contribute adequately towards the costs in his opinion.

“We will have to look and see if we get meaningful offers of contributions. And if we don’t, we’ll have to consider what options are available,” he said. “I know in some countries legislative changes were introduced with a view to putting pressure on institutions. But I don’t want to prejudge the outcome of these negotiations.”

No examples were cited in the interview’s report.

The Minister said he expects applications from more than 30,000 people, including many now living overseas, adding that an international information campaign would begin once the scheme opens.

Mother and baby homes existed in many countries with only a small minority in the English-speaking world being run by Catholic organisations. None have reparation schemes specifically for mother and baby homes.