Magdalen Laundries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2014

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Questions (141)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

141. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent of compliance among religious orders and institutions in relation to the transfer of records and archives relating to the Magdalen laundries redress process; the orders which have yet to comply; the number of requests that have been made in each case; the options that are available to the redress board to ensure that records are made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35036/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The four relevant Religious Congregations are cooperating fully with the scheme and are providing all the available records and verifications when requested. Decisions have been made on 80% of the 770 applications received to date, and so far, 442 applicants have received their lump sum payments at a cost of over €16m.

In cases where the relevant religious congregation have incomplete or no record for an applicant my officials carry out a thorough examination, checking whatever records are available from other departments, agencies and institutions to support the claim. Each application is assessed on an individual basis taking into account any available records or documents as well as the applicant's testimony. The Deputy will also be aware that if the applicant disagrees with this assessment she can avail of an internal review process and also an independent appeal process which involves a review by Ombudsman's Office.