Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the Deputy's final question, I expect that the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, will be in touch with the House and publicly in respect of the timelines and so on. As we now know there are extraordinary amounts of material to be examined prior to this process getting under way. I will ask the Minister to communicate with members on the progress being made in this regard.

I do not have all the details in relation to the other matter raised by the Deputy. He might consider tabling a parliamentary question or topical issue on the matter. In any event, I will have the Minister respond to him in respect of the question in regard to the West-North West Hospitals Group.

On the Bill, this is a matter for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I can inform the House that the Government this morning approved the drafting of a Bill to deal with the requirements for medical facilities and coverage for those women who were in Magdalen homes. A small number of them are resident in Britain and will be dealt with through the system there. The Minister for Justice and Equality was given authorisation today to move ahead with that legislation. That work is now under way.

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