I cannot speak on this Bill today without referring to the Justice for Magdalenes group. I wish to acknowledge the painstaking work of the group with Dr. Jane Smith and others. These women endured abusive and degrading treatment and I sincerely hope that the recent decision will bring about what the Justice for Magdalenes group has been requesting for many years and for far too long. Central to that is the principle of restorative justice and a failure by our institutions to protect the constitutional and human rights of citizens. These women can never be compensated adequately. They are owed so much and it is time to take this matter in hand.

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