Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, the women of the Magdalen laundries heard the words they needed to hear. It is now crucial they are properly compensated for what was done to them. Tá a fhios ag an Taoiseach gur tús maith, leath na hoibre. Chuir na mná fáilte roimh an óráid an-mhaith agus na focail an-fhlaithiúil a labhair sé inné. Today, I want to tease out with the Taoiseach some of the details of Mr. Justice Quirke's terms of reference. An ex gratia scheme is to be established which is essentially a payment without an admission of liability. Is this not at odds with the sentiments of the Taoiseach's remarks last night and with the McAleese report, both of which accepted that the State is liable for what happened to these women? Will Mr. Justice Quirke be given statutory powers? Will there be an independent appeals mechanism for the women? I note the terms of reference include the laundry at Stanhope Street but there is no reference to Summerhill in Wexford. Will Summerhill be included as well?

No one wants runaway legal fees but I presume some consideration will be given to allowing some form of legal representation to those women who feel they may need it, such as women who want to remain anonymous. The advocacy groups only represent a minority of women. As the Taoiseach knows, the vast majority of the women do not want to be known. I say all of this in a good spirit. Again I commend the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Government for their remarks last night.

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