Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Media reports and leaks over the weekend suggested that Mr. Justice Quirke recommended the setting up of a reconciliation forum between the women and their former abusers. This suggestion has caused great upset among many survivors who have been in contact with me in recent days.

The Taoiseach is well aware that these women have waited for many years for recognition and vindication. They thought they had received that when the Taoiseach stood up in this House and apologised last February. However, the delay in publishing the report has confused and upset these women just as the ongoing delay in coming to a decision on Bethany Home causes ongoing hardship to former residents.

The women have gone through the trauma of telling their stories multiple times in written submissions and personal testimonials. They have put up with enough delay and need to be compensated for their unpaid wages and illegal incarceration and given their full pension rights. On what date will this report be published and will its publication bring to an end the confusion and hurt of these women? When will the Government make public its decision in respect of compensation for the survivors of Bethany Home?

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