Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

367. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she or her officials are considering setting up an independent inquiry into the Magdalen laundries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26041/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The report of the Inter-Departmental Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with Magdalen Laundries (the McAleese report) provides an independent, comprehensive, factual account of the Magdalen institutions and informed the Government decision to establish an ex gratia scheme for women who entered and worked in such institutions. To date nearly €20m has been paid out in lump sums to over 500 applicants under that scheme.

The Deputy will be aware that the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes allows for the investigation of entry and exit routes to these institutions which would include Magdalen Laundries as such a route.

Neither I nor my officials, are considering setting up any further inquiry into these institutions.

The Deputy will be aware that the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes allows for the investigation of entry and exit routes to these institutions which would include Magdalen Laundries as such a route.