Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
564. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the dedicated unit and helpline for the survivors of the Magdalen laundries, as recommended by Mr. Justice Quirke, have not been set up to assist those survivors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9667/14]
View answerThe Government's first priority is to facilitate the processing of applications under the Scheme and to implement those measures necessary to provide the individual benefits recommended by Judge Quirke to those women who were admitted to and worked in the institutions in question. To this end, on the 5th November 2013, the Government agreed to the payments and services to be provided on an individual basis to the women who came within the scope of the scheme. Within my own Department, a unit of 9 officials is working full time on engaging with the women and processing applications. They are available to answer any queries the women may have in relation to the Scheme. Decisions on establishing a permanent and separate dedicated unit, its role and method of operation have not been finalised as yet. Further consideration will be given to this recommendation when more progress has been made on the processing of applications and on the provision of payments and benefits.
