Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The children and family relationship Bill will be taken this session. It is a complex Bill and it will require some consultation and debate in the House. In respect of the Magdalen laundries, I understand €2 million has been paid out. The indications were that there might be between 750 and 1,000 people but 600 have registered. I understand the women involved and their advocates are very happy, in particular in England, with the rate of payment, the way it is being dealt with, the facilities and the opportunities provided for the women.

In regard to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the O'Keeffe case, the Minister for Education and Skills informed the Cabinet today that the necessary sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was received and arrangements have been made to pay the €30,000 damages and the costs of approximately €104,000, including VAT, as directed by the European Court of Human Rights, to the solicitors involved. On the advice of the Attorney General, the Minister has briefed two senior counsels and one junior counsel to provide an opinion on the implications of the ECHR judgment, especially in regard to potential State liabilities in particular areas and what remedial steps, measures, guidelines or other action might be required. The Minister will keep the House updated as that progresses.

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