Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is necessary that we have a structure in place in respect of the pensions position. Deputy McDonald will be aware of the European court ruling in respect of the workers in Waterford Glass and it is necessary that there be a structure in place so that when this goes back to the High Court - it is listed for 3 December - there will be a structure in place.

In regard to the Magdalens, I hope that some of the payments can be made close to the end of the year or early next year. Yesterday the Cabinet approved the allocation of €250,000 as the first allocation in respect of the women who were in laundries who are resident in England. That would have been done earlier arising from the first Government decision but there were some complications with the registration of the charity. It is now decided, a Government decision, that the Camden charity will be the conduit through which that money is channelled.

The validation of the requirements of the Magdalen women is proceeding and the medical care issue is one of those. As I am standing here, I cannot tell Deputy McDonald what the position is about many of them who have medical cards already, but the Government is clear that there will be no undue delay in giving them what the Government has already approved arising from the Quirke recommendations.

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