Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left) | Oireachtas source

I am deeply disappointed by this, as are many of the ladies concerned and the Justice for Magdalenes group. When the Minister is dealing with certain aspects of the Bill and will consider other aspects outside it, it leaves a lot open to question. In 2012 I heard a Minister say legislation would not be enacted if proper child care facilities were not wrapped around one-parent families. Now, the Minister is asking us to put our faith in her that she will consider other aspects. The Magdalen ladies are disappointed. I will, therefore, support the amendment. They must be given the opportunity to challenge if they are unhappy that they have met the standards required or if they do not see all of the recommendations made by Mr. Justice Quirke in Appendix G included. The Minister is quoting the bullet points on page 35 of the report. In Appendix G, Mr. Justice Quirke specifically makes the point that counselling services should be extended to the family and that liaison officers should be included. He also refers to the capacity of personal advocates and mentions that massage, reflexology and acupuncture services should all be provided. I support the amendment and will vote in favour of it.

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