Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government commits the Government to address the plight of three specific categories of people, first and foremost being the survivors of the Magdalene laundries. Very considerable credit is due to the Government for the work that has been done in that area, albeit that it took the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to jump up and down a little bit and make it quite clear to the Taoiseach how important this issue was. Judge Quirke has issued his report and we are told that compensation will issue. I ask the Tánaiste if he can indicate when the victims can expect to receive their compensation. The victims of symphysiotomy were also included in that Government commitment. Professor Walsh has produced a report to the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, and I believe it is to be considered by Cabinet, after which decisions will be made. Can we be given some indication of the timescale involved? The Tánaiste and members of the Government will be particularly aware of the ageing profile of the people who were involved. We believe compensation should be paid and this should happen sooner rather than later.

There are a mere 32 survivors of the thalidomide drug and the Government, likewise, made commitments in respect of addressing that issue.

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