Magdalen Laundries

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Questions (147)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

147. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health his views on a judge's recommendation (details supplied) that Magdalen women should have access to the full range of services currently enjoyed by holders of the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 card and therefore this will be covered in forthcoming legislation, particularly as the women signed waivers of their legal rights against the State in the expectation that the judge's recommendations would be complied with in full. [37530/14]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Officials in the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General are currently working to draft, as a priority, legislation which will provide for a range of health and personal social services to be made available to former residents of Magdalen laundries. It is the intention that the legislation will encompass the comprehensive range of services identified by Judge Quirke in his report as being required to address the health concerns of the Magdalen women. Subject to drafting being completed and to the agreement of Government, it is expected that the Bill will be published later in 2014.