Magdalene Laundries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 May 2011

Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Questions (422, 423)

Michael McGrath

Question:

450 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will clarify his response of 23 March 2011 with respect to the Government’s response to the Irish Human Rights Commission’s assessment of human rights violations of women and young girls in the Magdalene laundries; if he will provide an update with regard to the draft submission to the Government to which he referred to in the aforementioned response; and his views on the new restorative justice and reparations scheme submitted for his consideration by the Justice for Magdalenes group on 28 March 2011. [9345/11]

Clare Daly

Question:

480 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the mechanism he proposes to establish to investigate matters raised by Justice for Magdalenes group and deal with the issuing of an apology and appropriate redress. [9774/11]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 480 together.

I can confirm that my Department has received proposals for a reparations scheme from the Justice for Magdalenes Group which are currently being considered. Otherwise, the position remains unchanged since my reply to Questions Nos. 77 to 79, inclusive, of 24 March 2011. I believe that a comprehensive examination of the facts is now required and, with that in mind, I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly.