merrion street

Justice Minister Alan Shatter today announced that the Government has agreed the details on how to implement the recommendations of Judge Quirke for an ex-gratia scheme for the benefit of those who were admitted to and worked in the Magdalen laundries, St Mary’s Training Centre, Stanhope Street and House of Mercy Training School, Summerhill, Wexford. It is expected that the Department of Justice and Equality will be in a position to issue the first offers of payments within the next 4 to 6 weeks.

On the 26 June 2013, the Government accepted Judge Quirke’s recommendation for an ex-gratia lump sum payment scheme for women affected, and also accepted in principle his other recommendations in full, subject to their examination by an Inter Departmental Group. That Group's report was considered by the Government this week and details of the scheme finalised.

Speaking today, Minister Shatter said:

I am delighted to be in a position to announce approval of the details of the scheme. Since I have taken up office as Minister for Justice and Equality, it has been one of my priorities to address the hurt felt by women who were in Magdalen laundries. As a result we have had the McAleese Report documenting the facts about Magdalen laundries and the Quirke Report on the establishment of an ex-gratia scheme and a comprehensive range of supports for the women involved. This week, the Government agreed the details of its implementation.

To avoid any unnecessary delay my Department has already been active in encouraging women to submit applications and around 600 have been received to date. Over 250 of those have been processed to an advanced stage and I would hope to see the offers of payments on these applications issuing in the next 4-6 weeks.

Full details of the scheme will be made available on the Justice website in the coming days on

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Read the full press release

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