Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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302. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made, to date, on the recommendations made by Mr. Justice Quirke in respect of the Magdalen laundries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6816/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to full implementation of the Quirke Report.

Significant progress has been made on the implementation of the Magdalen Redress Scheme. To date, a decision has been made on 87% of the applications received and 503 applicants have been paid their lump sums at a cost of nearly €18.5m.

Judge Quirke recommended that the women should have access to an enhanced medical card. He also specifically recommended that legislation be introduced to give effect to this recommendation. As the Deputy will be aware, this Bill (the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Bill 2014) is currently at Report Stage in the Dáil and I hope, with the co-operation of the Oireachtas, that the Bill will be enacted very promptly. This Bill makes special provision for free access to health services for women who worked in the 12 specified institutions.

The women are already covered by section 21 (appointment of a care representative) under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. Judge Quirke recommended provision for a mechanism whereby a person can be appointed to act in the best interests of a woman who receives an ex-gratiapayment under the scheme where she lacks capacity. This is being done through the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill, currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Dail.

Judge Quirke's recommendation regarding top up pension type payments is being fully implemented. This recommendation proposes that eligible women should in addition and without regard to the "lump" sum payments receive weekly payments of €100 if under 66 and the equivalent of the State Contributory pension - €230.30 - if over 66 for the remainder of their lives. These payments are to be calculated net of other State benefits. The Department of Social Protection has set up a separate scheme to give effect to this recommendation and it is continuing to process payments on a phased basis. Regardless of when applications are received the appropriate payments are being backdated to the commencement date of the scheme which is 1st August 2013.

Judge Quirke's remaining recommendation regarding a dedicated unit is a longer term issue which will be addressed after processing of applications and the provision of benefits has been completed.