Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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557. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Magdalen redress scheme. [9657/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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All 12 of Judge Quirke's recommendations are being addressed. Priority is being given to processing applications and making lump sum payments. As the deputy is aware, within my own Department a unit of 9 officials is working full time on engaging with the women and processing applications. They are available to answer any queries the women may have in relation to the Scheme.

Under the Scheme, 705 applications have been received to date. 320 letters of formal offer have issued. So far, 225 of the applicants have accepted the formal offer and 196 payments have issued at a cost of €7 million.

In addition to the lump sum payment each woman is entitled to a top up payment to bring her weekly income from the State to €230.30 if aged 66 or over and €100 if under that age. The Department of Social Protection is establishing a separate scheme in order to give effect to this recommendation and I have been informed that this will be in place by the middle of this year. However, the payments will be backdated to the 1st August 2013 so the women will not be at a loss.

Legislation relating to taxation issues has already been addressed. It has been agreed that my Department would coordinate legislation to implement Judge Quirke's other recommendations where legislation is required. The necessary legislation is included on the priority list of the Government Legislation Programme for the Spring/Summer 2014. One aspect to be dealt with by this Bill is Judge Quirke's recommendations that legislation should be introduced to give effect to his recommendation with regard to the provision of medical services to the women who were admitted to and worked in the relevant institutions. Details of exactly what services will be provided, how they will be provided and where they will be provided is being determined by the Department of Health. My officials are working with that Department in finalising the drafting of the necessary legislative provisions as quickly as possible.