Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

4 o’clock

There are two issues on which I am keen to reassure the House of progress. The first relates to benefits under the jurisdiction of the HSE in respect of health and medical care, while the second relates to benefits within the remit of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in respect of pensions. It is important that we ensure such issues will be dealt with.

I thank the Deputy for his comments on the conference for Magdalen women which is scheduled for June this year. It will be an excellent opportunity for those women who wish and are able to attend to meet others and participate fully in the events which will form part of what is an interesting conference programme. I recently met the group that is closely involved in organising the event. I have committed to providing funding towards the cost, while officials of my Department are working closely with the women involved in order to ensure it will be a memorable and positive event.

See this speech in context