Magdalen Laundries Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (1296)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

1296. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reasons for the delay in the publication of the final report of the interdepartmental committee investigating State involvement in the Magdalen laundries; the reason he will not proceed with urgency to establish restorative justice to those who suffered in Magdalen laundries and other institutions 22 months after the IHRC recommendation and 15 months after the United Nations Committee Against Torture recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39303/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Inter Departmental Committee was set up by Government to establish the facts of State involvement with Magdalen Laundries. It is independently chaired by Senator Martin McAleese and published its initial progress report in October last year three months after its establishment.

Senator McAleese has advised me that the Committee intends to produce its final report as soon as possible but at the latest before the end of the year. He has explained that information is still being identified which has the capacity to add to the overall outcome of the Committee’s work in a meaningful way, and the Committee feels that it would be improper to conclude without examining this additional material.

I am conscious of the need to progress matters as quickly as possible but it is important to emphasise that we are in a process which is seeking to fully establish the facts. I am not going to pre-empt the work of the Committee by making decisions on such matters before I receive the final report.

Question No. 1297 answered with Question No. 1165.