Regarding the Magdalen laundries redress scheme, the Taoiseach might recall, following his apology to the women who were enslaved in these laundries, that the Minister for Justice and Equality committed to having a comprehensive scheme of supports for the surviving women. Mr. Justice Quirke was to examine and advise on the scheme’s mechanisms and report back to the Government within three months. The three months have now passed. Has Mr. Justice Quirke completed his work? If so, will the Taoiseach inform the Dáil of its findings? If not, when will we see details of the proposed redress scheme and the long-awaited supports for the women in question, many of whom are very elderly, while some are unwell? While it might not be the Government’s intention to foot-drag on this matter - I hope it is not - we need to move speedily to ensure there is no further distress or hurt caused to the women concerned. Has the Taoiseach received the report? If not, when will we have it?

There will be no foot-dragging on this issue. I have not received the report and do not wish to make a direct inquiry to Mr. Justice Quirke who is conducting the report. I expect that he will furnish it as quickly as is appropriate for him to conclude his work. The Government will then consider the report and publish it. We will see what recommendations Mr. Justice Quirke makes therein. I met some of the Magdalen women last week who were over on a trip from England. I gave them that information also. As soon as Mr. Justice Quirke sends the Minister the report, the Government will consider it and publish it.