Magdalen Laundries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2016

Thursday, 19 May 2016

Ceisteanna (31)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

31. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will hold a public inquiry into a recent press report (details supplied) that claims that a corporation in the United States of America was able to use cheap labour, in the form of women incarcerated in some Magdalen laundries and other institutions, over many years to make profits for that company that are not taxable in Ireland; if she will request the religious orders to pay into the survivors' redress scheme, given this new information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10997/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware the Magdalene Laundries were private institutions run by the Religious Orders. While labour affairs are a matter for the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and taxation affairs are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, I am not aware of any special arrangements for the Religious Orders. If the Deputy has any evidence of wrongdoing in this regard she can submit it to my office for further consideration.

The Deputy will be aware that following several requests to the relevant Religious Orders to make a financial contribution to the Magdalene Laundries Restorative Justice Ex Gratia Scheme they have declined to do so.