Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I refer to another matter I attempted to raise with the Taoiseach earlier, I am advised inappropriately, because I was not asking the questions. Therefore, let me now ask the Taoiseach about this matter pertaining to promised legislation from the Department of Health on foot of the Quirke recommendations for the Magdalen women. I remind the Taoiseach that promises were made and agreed in respect of the health needs of these women. The services were to include GP services, prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances, dental services, ophthalmic services, aural services, home support, home nursing and counselling services, as well as a range of other services including chiropody and physiotherapy. None of this has been delivered on despite the fact that together with many others, I have raised this issue repeatedly. It appears as though there is a block in the Department of Health in respect of the necessary legislation to make these services available. When will that blockage cease and when will Members have sight of the legislation? Then when will the Minister for Justice and Equality and his Department introduce the necessary measures to make sure those services will be equally available to survivors who live outside of this jurisdiction?

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