Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will mention the Deputy's concerns about the survivors of symphysiotomy to the Minister. Everybody in the House shares these concerns and the Minister and his officials are working on the issue. I pay tribute to the Magdalen women for their bravery and dignity. Mr. Justice Quirke's report is being studied and examined in detail by the women concerned and their supporters and advisers. The report sets out a series of options and it is a matter for the women concerned to have some time to reflect on and consider what they want to do. The line taken in the previous redress arrangements was only about lump sums, whereas Mr. Justice Quirke differs dramatically, recommending a two-track process, including lump sum payments, income support and continuing arrangements for the women concerned for the rest of their lives. These are very valuable proposals and the women concerned will wish to reflect on them, particularly given the fact that many of them are elderly. The proposals include specific medical service arrangements for enhanced medical card provision. These are very important and innovative proposals. Perhaps Sinn Féin might request at a Whips' meeting appropriate arrangements to debate the report in this House.

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