Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2012
35. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will allocate further resources to the Inter-Departmental Committee investigating State involvement with the Magdalene Laundries in order to allow it to complete its work as soon as possible; if he will begin implementing a reparation scheme for the survivors of the Magdalene Laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39287/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Inter-Departmental Committee is satisfied that it already has the necessary resources available to it to complete its task and that the allocation of further resources is not required nor would it speed up its work. While the Interim Progress Report of the Committee expressed the hope and intention that the Committee could conclude its work by mid-2012, it did point out that “If the volume of records uncovered or available resources, including personnel, vary substantially from those currently anticipated, it may be necessary to adjust this intended time-line”.
A significant level of information and documentation has already been identified by the Committee and drafting of the final report has begun. However relevant records continue to be identified and the Committee also continues to receive new submissions from representative and advocacy groups. Indeed a submission in excess of over 100 pages was only recently received from one such group. The Committee cannot be criticised for taking the time necessary to consider such material. The Chairperson is confident that a substantial final report will be presented as soon as possible and at latest before the end of this year. I am not going to pre-empt the work of the Inter-Departmental Committee by making decisions on such matters as reparation before I receive the final report.
