Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
449. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the ongoing delay in the implementation of the Magdalen laundries plan; the reason she feels that the private services mentioned in Appendix G would not be appropriate for the Magdalen laundries women; the reason there is only mention of public services within the State within the plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27176/14]
View answerI can confirm for the Deputy that this morning the Government, on my proposal agreed to the publications of the scheme of a new Bill to provide for services and supports for women who worked in Magdalen Laundries. The purpose of this Bill is to make additional provisions for:
- Access to health services.
- The exempting of payments which have been made by the State to these women from means test criteria for certain State services.
- Legal provision for relatives or other appropriate persons to act on behalf of any of the women who do not have the capacity to act of their own behalf.
