Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if compensation will be paid to former residents of the Magdalene laundries as called for by the UN, the Irish Human Rights Commission and groups representing the former residents. [16788/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the Magdalen laundries, the report of the Irish Human Rights Commission recommended that if, after investigation, State involvement/responsibility is established, the question of redress should be considered. The UN Committee Against Torture recommended that the State should investigate allegations of torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in the context of Magdalen laundries and victims of such treatment should obtain redress and have an enforceable right to compensation.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided on a number of actions following its meeting last week which considered the circumstances of the women and girls who resided in the Magdalen Laundries. The Government believes it is essential to establish the true facts and circumstances relating to the Laundries as a first step. Along with my colleague, the Minister for State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, I am now following up on this decision with the relevant parties.

An inter-departmental committee, chaired by an independent person, will also be set up to establish the full extent of State involvement.