Dáil debates

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Topical Issue Debate

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

6:40 pm

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, United Left) | Oireachtas source

I actually believe it was important to give the Minister of State the extra time to contribute so forcefully and agree with the points I was making. I fully appreciate her bona fides on the issue of identification. The identification was outrageously insensitive, almost cruel, thoughtless and really clumsy. That somebody made this mistake was just ridiculous after all the women had been through. I fully acknowledge that the Minister of State has said she will address the issue and I am glad that it is happening. This will be best achieved through consultation with those involved.

The bigger issue for many of the people affected is obviously the shortcomings of the scheme. We discussed them at the time of the passage of the legislation. It is still the case that the women are very disappointed by the shortcomings. While I appreciate the nuanced statement of Mr. Justice Quirke that the card was not to be a medical card but a health services card, this led the women to believe they would have far greater entitlements than would be afforded with an actual medical card. In actual fact, it gives them little more and is not in any way on a par with the HAA card. Perhaps we have had this debate before, but when the women see the entitlements written down, the disparities are driven home. I would like to see this issue addressed through emergency legislation, although I know that is not very likely to happen. However, I am at least glad that one aspect of the issue is being addressed.

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