Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
770. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the health care provisions for survivors (details supplied) of the Magdalen laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/15]
View answerThe Government accepted all the recommendations of the Quirke report and established an ex gratia restorative justice scheme. Under the scheme, the Government then set up a range of payments of up to €100,000 along with supports, for the women who worked in these institutions. In his report, Mr Justice Quirke recommended, inter alia, that legislation be introduced to give effect to his recommendation on the provision of a comprehensive suite of health services to Magdalen women. The Health (Amendment) Act 1996 provides health services to persons who contracted hepatitis C in the State from a blood product or blood transfusion. It should be noted, however, that Judge Quirke’s report acknowledged that the HAA services were reproduced for illustrative purposes and recognised that not all of the HAA services described may be relevant to the Magdalen women and that the scheme for the Magdalen women would require suitable adaptation.
Eligibility for health services for the Magdalen women is now provided by the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 which sets out the primary and community health services available in Ireland, free of charge, effective from 1 July 2015. Those services are as follows: GP services; prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances; dental, ophthalmic and aural services; home nursing; home support; chiropody; physiotherapy; and counselling services. As Justice Quirke recommended, the women are entitled to a greater range of entitlements than those provided under the standard medical card. As a result, a specific card has been issued to the women so that they can access the enhanced health services they require without charge, as set out in the Act.
While the Quirke report did not make a recommendation that health services should be provided to women residing overseas, the Government has decided that practical administrative arrangements should be put in place to support women residing overseas for the same services. The Department of Health and the HSE are exploring the practical arrangements to be put in place for the overseas women as it is an important but complex matter. I am sure that the Deputy recognises that all health systems around the world vary in organisation and that each system is practically unique and equally complex. When practical arrangements are in place, the HSE will contact those participants living abroad in this regard, which I hope will be as soon as possible.
