Tá ceist agam faoi reachtaíocht atá fórógartha agus ceist eile agam maidir leis an redress scheme for the Magdalen laundries, which I will ask first. The redress scheme was set up to ensure the victims of the laundries were given their full medical entitlements and that they were compensated for the decades of unpaid slave labour they endured. There are many complaints that the redress is presenting more obstacles than opportunities for these victims. Will the Taoiseach undertake to review it and to bring back a report to the Dáil?

As I understand it, the purpose of the children and family relationships Bill is to consolidate and reform the law relating to guardianship, custody of and access to children as well as addressing issues of parentage. The heads of the Bill have been published but the processing of the legislation is having a very direct effect on the marriage equality referendum. When will the legislation be brought before the Oireachtas and what is the timeframe for its passing into law?

The children and family relationship Bill will be taken this session. It is a complex Bill and it will require some consultation and debate in the House. In respect of the Magdalen laundries, I understand €2 million has been paid out. The indications were that there might be between 750 and 1,000 people but 600 have registered. I understand the women involved and their advocates are very happy, in particular in England, with the rate of payment, the way it is being dealt with, the facilities and the opportunities provided for the women.

In regard to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the O'Keeffe case, the Minister for Education and Skills informed the Cabinet today that the necessary sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was received and arrangements have been made to pay the €30,000 damages and the costs of approximately €104,000, including VAT, as directed by the European Court of Human Rights, to the solicitors involved. On the advice of the Attorney General, the Minister has briefed two senior counsels and one junior counsel to provide an opinion on the implications of the ECHR judgment, especially in regard to potential State liabilities in particular areas and what remedial steps, measures, guidelines or other action might be required. The Minister will keep the House updated as that progresses.

In regard to the Magdalen laundries redress scheme, it may be that some of the victims have been able to avail of the scheme but there is a number who feel obstacles are being placed in their way and some have not got their full medical entitlements. They have to undertake a convoluted process. Will the Taoiseach ask someone to review that and bring back a report?

It has been streamlined as far as it can be because there was a lot of talk about it at the outset. If the Deputy has particular cases where he believes there are obstructions or obstacles, he should bring them to the attention of the Minister and we will do what we can. The intention, genuinely, is that it is non-contentious, non-litigious, effective and in the interests of the women involved.

Go raibh maith agat.