Support for Magdalene women
Mary Lou McDonald seeks promised legislation and health supports arising from the Quirke recommendations for Magdalene women. The Taoiseach says a restorative justice Bill is on the Government’s A list and will be published this session.
I refer to another matter I attempted to raise with the Taoiseach earlier, I am advised inappropriately, because I was not asking the questions. Therefore, let me now ask the Taoiseach about this matter pertaining to promised legislation from the Department of Health on foot of the Quirke recommendations for the Magdalen women. I remind the Taoiseach that promises were made and agreed in respect of the health needs of these women. The services were to include GP services, prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances, dental services, ophthalmic services, aural services, home support, home nursing and counselling services, as well as a range of other services including chiropody and physiotherapy. None of this has been delivered on despite the fact that together with many others, I have raised this issue repeatedly. It appears as though there is a block in the Department of Health in respect of the necessary legislation to make these services available. When will that blockage cease and when will Members have sight of the legislation? Then when will the Minister for Justice and Equality and his Department introduce the necessary measures to make sure those services will be equally available to survivors who live outside of this jurisdiction?
Comment on this
I stated there was a letter for the Deputy regarding the other matter of 31 March. For once, I can confirm to the Deputy that there is no blockage in the Department of Health.
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That is one in a row. Members should celebrate.
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The reason is that this Bill on restorative justice is coming from the Department of Justice and Equality.
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That is not what I have been told by the Department of Justice and Equality.
Comment on this
It is on the A list and will be published this session. The Government made it clear in respect of the Magdalen decision that it wished to be as generous as possible to those who live within and outside the State.
The Magdalen report is being implemented. Much work is being undertaken, payments are being made, etc. This Bill from the Department of Justice and Equality dealing with these issues is on the A list and will be published this session.