Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
184. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of applicants per year under the Magdalen restorative redress scheme since 2015; the number of survivors who have successfully obtained the 2015A medical card; the effectiveness of the redress scheme as it pertains to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4972/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that in February, 2013, following publication of the McAleese Report, the Government appointed Justice John Quirke to devise a scheme to address the needs of Magdalen women. Justice Quirke presented his report in June, 2013 which included twelve recommendations. The Government accepted all of his recommendations in principle and the Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme was established in relation to twelve specified institutions.
Following a report by the Ombudsman in 2018, the Government decided to include a further fourteen adjoining institutions in the scheme.
The Scheme is non-adversarial and is based on length of stay in a relevant institution. In relation to the Magdalen women, what needs to be established is that a person was admitted to a Magdalen Institution and worked there without pay for a period of time. In relation to the adjoining institutions, some evidence of working in the laundry of the Magdalen Institution is required in order to qualify.
The Scheme addresses the needs of the Magdalen women. All eligible applicants, in addition to their lump sum payment, are entitled to an enhanced medical card (2015A 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.
To date 805 applicants have qualified for benefit under the terms of the Scheme at a cost of €32m in lump sum payments.
While the majority of applications to the Scheme were received in 2013 and 2014, 27 applications were received in 2015, 15 in 2016, 12 in 2017, 36 in 2018, 31 in 2019, 8 in 2020 and 1 application has been received so far in the current year.
My colleague, the Minister for Health has advised in relation to the 2015A Medical Card.
The Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 (RWRCI Act) makes provision for a range of primary and community health services in Ireland for women who qualify under the Restorative Justice Scheme. Eligibility for these services are identified by way of the 2015A card. There are currently 603 cardholders. A Redress Reimbursement Scheme is also available for persons who are eligible for a 2015A card but who reside outside the State. Eligible persons residing overseas can alternatively access equivalent primary and community health services abroad and subsequently seek reimbursement from the HSE.
