Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Martin for coming in and for his presentation. A concern that I and other members of this committee have is that, in February 2013, the State made a sincere apology to the women who were in Magdalen laundries, but there is a view in this committee, which I would hold, that the scheme applied and how it has been applied is not really consistent with the sincerity of that apology.

I have a concern the scheme is being applied far too strictly and harshly. It is not taking into account the vagaries of life that operated for the women who were in these Magdalen institutions so many years ago. In respect of the recommendations made by the Ombudsman, the first was in respect of broadening the eligibility for admission. I think the Department has adopted a very strict interpretation, stating that if the women do not come within the 12 named institutions, they cannot apply. Is that correct?