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Magdalen Laundries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018

Tuesday, 24 April 2018

Ceisteanna (281)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

281. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the timeframe for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Ombudsman’s report on an investigation into the administration of the Magdalen restorative justice scheme. [17709/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am committed to honouring the commitments made to the Magdalen women. To date, 691 applicants have received redress amounting to €25.9 m in lump sums under the Ex Gratia Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme, along with other enhanced Health and Social Protection supports.

I have carefully considered the Ombudsman’s report of November 2017 on the administration of the scheme by my Department. I am pleased to have since had the opportunity to have a detailed and constructive discussion with the Ombudsman about my plans to implement the recommendations made his report. Last week I briefed the Cabinet on these plans.

In relation to the four recommendations in the Ombudsman's report, the following is the position:

- Where there is a dispute in respect of the length of stay in a Magdalen Institution, an independent Senior Counsel will review these cases. Ms. Mary O’Toole SC has been asked to undertake this work.

- Counsel will also advise on assistance to be given to applicants who lack capacity to accept an award.

- The reviews recommended by the Ombudsman in regard to eligibility of cases of women who worked in one of the institutions covered by the Scheme but who were officially recorded as having been “admitted to” a training centre or industrial school located in the same building, attached to or located on the grounds of one of the laundries will now be taken forward following a brief scoping review by an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach.

- The recommendation to establish guidance on the development and operation of redress schemes will be examined in consultation with Government colleagues, including the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

I will work with the Ombudsman and with colleagues in Government to address these matters as quickly as possible.

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