Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

299. To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that all has been done to address the medical needs of those survivors of the Magdalen laundries living abroad, in view of a recent response to a Topical Issue debate on this matter on 25 June 2015. [27173/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the primary and community health services under the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015 are made available by the HSE only in Ireland. Women, who currently reside outside of Ireland, can access the health services when they visit Ireland. However, the RWRCI Act is not applicable in other countries and, therefore, it does not provide them with health services outside of Ireland.

The Department of Health and the HSE have focused on implementing the Act for the majority of women living in Ireland and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that, last week, the HSE corresponded directly with all the women living in Ireland who are eligible to avail of the services.

However, I would emphasise that the HSE, with my Department, are also exploring the practical arrangements to be put in place for the overseas women, the vast majority of whom reside in the United Kingdom. The Deputy will be aware that all health systems around the world vary in organisation and that each system is practically unique and equally complex. The HSE has already been in contact with the women living abroad and has advised them that this issue is being examined and, when practical arrangements are in place, they will be contacted further.

While I acknowledge that this important and complex matter is taking longer than anticipated, I am satisfied with the work undertaken by the HSE and my Department and I hope that the systems will be in place as soon as possible.