Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept the point that there are women who fall outside a particular scheme. However, there was a nine year period during which women could have applied for redress. I understand that, for various reasons, this might have been difficult for some of them. While it is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills to consider late applicants to the scheme, under which the women referred to would most appropriately be dealt with, I recognise that it is closed. We have followed and are implementing Mr. Justice Quirke's recommendations closely for the women about whom the Deputy has spoken. Some seven of the applicants have, because they were in An Grianán, appealed the decisions made in their cases to refuse their applications to the Ombudsman, but the Ombudsman has upheld the decision made by my officials in six of these cases. The process of appeal can be used. In total, some 18 women have decided to appeal their cases to the Ombudsman and I await a decision in four of these cases. Under the scheme, an interview is available to women outside the particular scheme.

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