Bethany Home redress decision
Gerry Adams presses for the Government’s decision on an apology and redress scheme for Bethany Home survivors before the recess. The Taoiseach will ask the Justice Minister to update him and convey Adams’s concerns.
Sorry, Deputy. I cannot debate that issue. I have been liberal but it is not a matter for the Order of Business.
Comment on this
I want to raise the issue of Bethany Home.
Comment on this
I understand the Minister for Justice and Equality is still considering this. The Taoiseach gave a commitment to come back in a fortnight and, while we cannot hold him to that as he is, of course, very busy, this involves a small number of people who are mostly elderly and frail. I wonder if it could be done before the recess.
Comment on this
I will ask the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is a different situation than applied in the case of the Magdalen laundries and that is why it is still being considered by the Minister. I will bring the Deputy's interest and the comments he made a fortnight ago to the Minister's attention. There has been a lot going on in the drafting of justice legislation in the past period. The Presidency is out of the way, but it was a big responsibility in terms of time consumption. I will ask the Minister to advise the Deputy.