Restorative justice scheme for former Magdalen residents announced

“For far too long the plight of the Magdalen women was ignored by the State. This Government was determined to see justice done. The publication of the McAleese report and that historic day in Dáil Eireann when An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, apologised to the Magdalen women on behalf of the State, the Government and our citizens have led us to today. And today, in accepting the recommendations contained in Judge Quirke’s Report, we are not only acknowledging the painful past experiences of the Magdalen women but are taking steps to address, in very real and practical ways, their present and future needs.”

Minister for State, Kathleen Lynch added, “I want to thank the women who came forward to tell their stories of their experiences in a Magdalen Laundry and the effect this had on their lives. Their stories were told with great dignity and, most importantly of all, they have been believed. I would also like to thank the representative groups who so actively and for many years campaigned diligently on their behalf. I know only too well the work involved – I long campaigned on their behalf – and I appreciate fully the difficulties faced but which thankfully were eventually overcome.”

The Government would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mr Justice Quirke for producing such a comprehensive and professional report in such a short period of time.

The Government has decided to accept all recommendations in Judge Quirke’s report.

Mr Justice Quirke’s most significant recommendation is that the women in question should all receive cash payments in the range €11,500 (duration of stay 3 months or less) to €100,000 (duration of stay of 10 years or more). Full details of payments are in Appendix A and Appendix D of the Report. If the cash payment due is above €50,000, Justice Quirke recommends that it should paid in the form of a lump sum of €50,000 plus an annual payment related to the notional remaining lump, sum to be paid weekly. The amount to be paid depends on the duration of stay of a resident in a Magdalen home.

Read the full press release.