Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

I also thank the officials for the help they gave on the Bill. It was a difficult Bill and it was certainly difficult to deal with the hurt and trauma many of the survivors experienced. I was disappointed that a number of amendments were ruled out of order because they were deemed to place a cost on the Exchequer, namely, those relating to the Magdalene Laundries and Bethany Home. Some of the former residents suggested a housing option, which was also ruled out of order. The Minister felt the eligibility clause could not be opened. The other issue related to a tax on those religious institutions which clearly seem unlikely to pay at this stage. On that basis and particularly given that the fund cannot be opened to those who should have access to it, the Bill is flawed and we have let people down once again.

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