Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I wish to raise three issues. One issue was raised in the House some weeks ago relating to the redress legislation that provides for the making of compensation payments to the victims of institutional abuse. I understand that the Departments of Education and Science, and Justice, Equality and Law Reform have both accepted that the State was directly involved in women being sent to the Magdalene laundries where, as we know, many were very cruelly treated. Based on the fact that this is now accepted - I am aware it is a matter under consideration - does the Government intend to introduce an amendment to the Residential Institutions Redress Act to extend the redress board's remit to provide for compensation payments to the women who suffered so greatly in the Magdalene laundries?

Under the heading "Bills in respect of which heads have yet to be approved by Government" in the Government's legislative programme, No. 75 is the family law Bill, which has been promised since the general election of May 2007. That Bill seeks to provide some additional protection for women, particularly, with regard to pensions. Given that Sunday next is St. Valentine's Day, and this Bill is designed to provide protection, essentially, to married women, is there any possibility the Government could give some priority to the publication of this legislation? We do not even have the heads of the Bill as yet. I will happily draft this Bill as a Private Members' Bill in the space of 24 hours if the Government is willing to take on board the measures that are needed. What needs to be done in this area is not controversial, and has been known for a very long time. I ask the Tánaiste that priority be given to it.

The Tánaiste might have been following the difficulties and troubles of the Irish women bobsleigh team in the Winter Olympics. The Australians and now the Brazilians have been trying to ensure that the Irish team does not compete. In the circumstances, the Government might, by way of démarche, make it known to the Brazilians that we should like them to back off. This House should wish the members of that team well in the Winter Olympics, which are starting this weekend.

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