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

The Minister is correct that Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin introduced a Bill which sought to lift the Statute of Limitations for the survivors of symphysiotomy. I ask her to encourage the Minister for Health to assist in the passage of that legislation. Outside that, there are broader redress issues.

I welcome the publication yesterday of Mr. Justice Quirke's recommendations for redress for the survivors of the Magdalen laundries. Will the Government commit to holding a full Dáil debate on the detail of that report and the shape of the proposed scheme of supports and redress for the women concerned? I have made an initial reading of the report. There are some strong points made in it, but there are also some very worrying elements such as the requirement that the women concerned sign a waiver and forgo the option to pursue the State or any of its agencies for future damages. Given the scale of this travesty and the length of time the women concerned have waited for an apology and recognition, it is very important that this House have a full opportunity to discuss, debate and consider Mr. Justice Quirke's recommendations.

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