merrion street

• Scheme will apply to women who worked in the laundries and were resident in one of 14 adjoining institutions
• Central guidance will also be drawn up on the development and operation of any future redress schemes
• Minister to meet women who spent time in Magdalen Laundries at event this week

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, has today announced that the Government has approved his proposals for applying the Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme to adjoining institutions in line with the recommendation of the Ombudsman. The Government has agreed that the Scheme will apply to women who worked in the laundries and who were resident in one of 14 adjoining institutions, including all of those recommended by the Ombudsman. A “general” payment will be made for the entire period of residency and a “work” payment for the period of work in a laundry. Central guidance will also be drawn up on the development and operation of any future redress schemes.

The Minister said:

“I am pleased to announce that the Government has agreed to my proposal to apply the Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme to women who worked in the laundries and were resident in these adjoining institutions. This is an important step in implementing the key recommendation of the Ombudsman.”

And looking forward to the 2 day event taking place in Dublin this week, at which women who spent time in Magdalen laundries will be honoured, the Minister added: ‘I am looking forward to meeting many of the women who spent time in Magdalen Laundries at the Mansion House this Tuesday. I know the organisers are planning a very warm and dignified gathering and I think it’s going to be a celebration of true resilience.”

On 17 April the Minister announced the steps which were being taken in relation to the implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations, including the establishment of an interdepartmental group to review the eligibility of cases of women who worked in one of the institutions covered by the Scheme but who were officially recorded as having been admitted to a training centre or industrial school located in the same building, attached to or located on the grounds of one of the Magdalen laundries. This group has now completed its work and the Minister brought proposals to Government which have been approved.

The Minister also updated Government on the progress being made in relation to the other two recommendations of the Ombudsman:

• A Senior Counsel is independently reviewing cases where there is a dispute in respect of length of stay.
• The same Senior Counsel is also advising on assistance to be given to applicants who lack capacity to accept an award.

The Minister added:

“Following on the constructive discussions that both myself and the Taoiseach had with the Ombudsman in April, officials in my Department have continued this process of engagement. I am committed to progressing action on the Ombudsman’s recommendations in consultation with his Office, and I will, as necessary, bring further updates and proposals to Government.”