Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
310. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department will provide for the legal costs incurred by eligible applicants to the Magdalene laundry redress scheme for advice sought before appealing a decision to the Ombudsman. [10543/14]
View answerThe position regarding legal fees is clearly set out in the scheme document, pages 6 and 7 and is in accordance with the recommendations of Judge Quirke. Before signing the Acceptance Form and statutory declaration the applicant is strongly advised to obtain legal advice. A contribution of up to a maximum of €500 plus VAT will be made available to applicants residing either in Ireland or abroad towards the cost of obtaining their own legal advice. Any legal costs incurred by an applicant in excess of €500 + VAT will not be paid for by the State. If the applicant confirms in writing that she will accept the provisional determination, then a formal offer in the same terms as the provisional assessment will be made in writing and payment will be conditional on the signing of an Acceptance Form and a statutory declaration. No other legal costs incurred by an applicant to the scheme will be paid by the State.
