Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This matter was the subject of two detailed analyses by two governments. I recall very well the impact of meeting the survivors of the Magdalen laundries. When I engaged with them we put in place a scheme that brought a conclusion to that and I am glad to see that the first payments are proceeding.

However, the Minister, Deputy Shatter, and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, met members of the Bethany survivors group at their request on 15 April because of the justice element of what was involved. They raised the question of the Magdalen laundries scheme. At that meeting the members of the Bethany survivors group made it clear that they did not wish to be included in the Magdalen laundries scheme, nor did any of their complaints relate to any of the justice issues. Following that meeting the Minister for Justice and Equality raised the matter at the Government meeting on 11 July. He wrote to them with the response and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, was pursuing the access to the records, which are very important to preserve.

It is a very different situation from that involving the Magdalen laundries. It has already been the subject of two inquiries and analyses by Government. The only element that related to the Department of Justice and Equality in all of this was in respect of a place of detention for women on remand or convicted of crimes referred by the courts.

That did not give rise to calls of abuse or for compensation. The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Defence, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, met them and the matter was the subject of two detailed Government reports.

See this speech in context