Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2014
86. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Magdalen laundry survivors that have settled for less time than they have claimed for, broken down by country of residence. [44372/14]
View answerThe processing of all applications starts off on the premise that the testimony of the applicant is correct and my officers processing the application then seek to verify the application by checking appropriate records. If there are records and they are consistent with the application, then an offer is made.
If there is a discrepancy, or in cases where the religious congregations have incomplete or no record for an applicant my officials must carry out a thorough examination, checking whatever records are available from other departments, agencies and institutions to support the application. The records of the religious congregations are not regarded as decisive, they are just one factor that is taken into consideration.
Each applicant is assessed on an individual basis, by my officials in the Restorative Justice Implementation Unit, taking into account any available records, documents and statements including the applicant's testimony. If the applicant disagrees with the Reviewer's decision she may request an independent review by the Ombudsman's office.
To date, 18 of the 665 applications on which a decision has been made, which is less than 3% have requested their case to be reviewed by the Ombudsman's Office. Of these 18 cases, 2 reside in the UK, 1 in the USA and the remaining cases were from applicants residing in Ireland. To date, the Ombudsman has upheld the decision of my officers in 14 cases and decisions are awaited on the remaining 4 cases.
