Legislative Process

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Ceisteanna (433)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

433. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the forthcoming redress for women who were in certain institutions Bill, the scheme of which was agreed on 24 June 2014, will provide that the State will pay for health insurance for applicants to the restorative justice scheme who are survivors of the Magdalen laundries who are living outside of the State; if not, the reason; if so, when those applicants will be informed of the relevant process, and the date on which it is anticipated that it will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28450/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

With regard to the provision of health services, Judge Quirke in his report on the Magdalen laundries, had recommended that legislation be introduced to give the women the same entitlement as those under the Hepatitis C scheme. This is to be implemented by the Department of Health but my Department will introduce the necessary legislative provisions.

I can confirm for the Deputy that, on 24 June, the Government agreed to the publication of the scheme of a new Bill to provide for services and supports for women who worked in Magdalen Laundries. In particular the Bill will make additional provision for access to health services in line with the recommendation of Judge Quirke.

The Department of Health has advised that, given the wide variation of country health system's organisation, access to equivalent medical services for participants living abroad will be dealt with on an administrative basis by the HSE and is therefore not part of the proposed Bill.