Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy says the Minister is cogitating and pondering, as she termed it. I wish to assure her that the reason we wanted the terms of reference set out in the way they were for Mr. Justice Quirke was to recognise the medical and health circumstances of many of the women involved, to recognise their infirmity and age in some cases and that time was not on their side or that of anyone else. It is right and proper that we should give this issue serious consideration. A financial element is included and Mr. Justice Quirke has made a number of recommendations. I expect that the Minister will come to the Cabinet inside the next two weeks. The report will be published immediately once the Cabinet has considered its decisions and recommendations. Once the process is decided upon, there will be no delay by the Government in following through. I hope it will be possible to agree on the process with the Magdalen women and deal with it effectively in their interests, having in mind the history of their trauma and distress.

We are not playing games in the case of Bethany Home situation which is different. Once the Minister has considered all of the implications for Bethany Home and a number of other smaller units, that decision will also be made by the Government.

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