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

As I have already said, the provision of an advocacy service does not require legislation and is not part of the Bill. While I understand what the Deputy is doing, Judge Quirke's specific recommendation, on page 45 of the report, was that the State would fund, establish and accommodate a small, dedicated unit to provide a range of supports to the Magdalen women. We have established such a unit, which is focused on providing all assistance and obtaining the monetary benefits for the Magdalen women. Once the Bill has been enacted, the HSE will also make suitable arrangements with the women to provide the health service entitlements in the Bill. All the recommendations on the dedicated unit will be met, just as all Judge Quirke's 12 recommendations are being met.

Regarding Deputy Joan Collins's points, I refer back to the points I made about the Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Bill and the advocates the women will have under it. When Judge Quirke made his report, the provisions in the Bill were not available and he suggested the best available. The Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Bill 2013 covers a range of options including decision making assistance, co-decision makers, decision making representatives and the public guardian measures which are well suited to looking after the best interests of the Magdalen women who have capacity issues. The Bill will be very helpful for the women who fall under this category because they will have the benefits of what is outlined in it. Therefore, I cannot accept the amendment.

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