Magdalen Laundries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2016

Thursday, 19 May 2016

Ceisteanna (32)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

32. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to a recent press report, (details supplied) why religious orders were given such a high level of autonomy to collude with global multi-national companies in providing cheap labour, in women incarcerated in Magdalene Laundries and other institutions, to make profits which they did not have to pay taxes on; why these companies were not obliged to pay adequate wages to their workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10998/16]

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.