Magdalen redress scheme
Mary Lou McDonald sought dates and clarification on the Magdalen redress report, Summerhill’s exclusion and the Bethany Home; the Taoiseach said Quirke’s report was imminent, Summerhill was under consideration and Bethany was being handled separately.
In that case, I assume there will not be legislation.
When does the Taoiseach expect Mr. Justice Quirke to report back on the Magdalen redress scheme? Will he provide a date? Will he also clarify the reason that, notwithstanding certain indications he gave at the time, Summerhill in Wexford continues to be excluded from the terms of reference of the redress scheme? The Taoiseach indicated several times that the Government was reflecting on the issue of the Bethany Home. Will he outline what course of action he proposes to take on this issue and whether the Government has considered including the Bethany Home in the scheme? What course of action is envisaged in respect of the survivors concerned, for whom it is acknowledged across the benches of the Chamber that recognition and redress is needed?
Comment on this
I do not have the details of the progress made to date by Mr. Justice Quirke. From the direction given by the Government arising from the McAleese report on the Magdalen laundries, Mr. Justice Quirke is due to report back in a short period. However, I cannot provide the details now.
Summerhill was discussed at Cabinet level and is being considered to see whether it meets the conditions for inclusion in the scheme. The Bethany Home is in a different situation and the matter is being followed up by the Minister for Justice and Equality.