Magdalen Laundries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 January 2014

Thursday, 30 January 2014

Questions (151)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

151. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in respect of the ex gratia scheme for women who were admitted to and worked in Magdalen Laundries, if he can clarify the section access to medical services which states that the women will be granted access to a range of public health services within the State once the necessary legislation is in place; if his attention has been drawn to the possible issues facing women who live in jurisdictions outside the Irish State who have signed the acceptance forms; if these persons will still be entitled to health care services in their own jurisdictions; if he will provide an update on the issue of access to health services for Magdalen women living abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4585/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, based on the recommendations made by Judge Quirke, the Government established an ex gratia scheme for the benefit of those women who were admitted to and worked in the Magdalen Laundries, St Mary's Training Centre, Stanhope St. and House of Mercy Training School, Summerhill, Wexford.

As per the terms of the ex gratia scheme, applicants who are determined to be eligible under the scheme and who have accepted the offer made to them and signed the Acceptance Form and Statutory Declaration will be granted access to a range of public health services once the necessary legislation is in place.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Government agreed that I would bring forward in one Bill, in consultation with and on behalf of the relevant Departments, any necessary legislative measures to implement the scheme.

You will appreciate that the provision of medical services will be done through the Department of Health and the details of exactly what services will be provided and how, have to be determined by them. In that context my officials are working with officials in the Department of Health on finalising the drafting of the necessary legislative provisions as quickly as possible. The provisions will be then brought to Government and published.