Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
542. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide victims and survivors of the Magdalene Laundries a full HAA card for public and private services as was one of the recommendations within the Magdalen Commission Report in 2013. [3202/21]
View answerTo date, 805 applicants have qualified for benefit under the terms of the Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme at a cost of €32 million in lump sum payments.
All eligible applicants, in addition to their lump sum payment, are entitled to an enhanced medical card (RWRCI Card) which they hold for life and a pension type payment - €100 per week if under State pension age, increasing to the value of the State Pension (Contributory) at pension age.
The medical services recommended by Justice Quirke are set out in the first recommendation, pages 6 and 35 of The Magdalen Commission Report. Justice Quirke recommended that the women receive a range of medical services similar to those provided to persons who were infected with Hepatitis C. Justice Quirke also noted that not all of the services provided to Hepatitis C victims would be relevant to Magdalen women. Legislation was required to implement this recommendation. In that regard, the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institution Act 2015 was commenced in June, 2015. The medical card applies from June, 2015 and, in accordance with that legislation, the following medical services apply.
- GP Services;
- Prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances;
- Dental service;
- Ophthalmic services;
- Home support;
- Home nursing;
- Counselling services;
- A range of other services to include chiropody/podiatry and physiotherapy.
In addition, a Statutory Instrument exempting Magdalen Women from Out-Patient and In-Patient charges was signed on 30 November 2017.
Details of participants in the Scheme are provided to the HSE to facilitate the provision of the RWRCI Card.
