Monday, April 15, 2013

498 compensation claims to Magdalene fund

Almost 500 survivors of Magdalene Laundries have applied to be included in the planned compensation fund.
The Department of Justice confirmed that at the close of business last Friday, it had received 498 expressions of interest forms in relation to the Magdalene Fund, which covers 11 institutions run by four religious orders.

It has received 1,150 calls enquiring about the fund. However, the department said it was not in a position to provide a breakdown in terms of how many resident outside the State had been in contact.

Following on from Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s State apology to those who suffered abuse in the Magdalene Laundries, Mr Justice John Quirke was appointed to devise an ex-gratia fund and to advise how the Government can provide supports, including healthcare, counselling, medical cards and other welfare needs. He is due to report back in mid-May and has already met with all of the Magdalene survivor groups.

In a statement, the department said it would not seek to advertise the redress scheme more widely until Judge Quirke has reported back to the Government.

However, Justice for Magdalenes (JFM), the survivor advocacy group, has raised questions about the Government’s lack of advertising of the Magdalene Fund.

Prof James Smith of Boston College and JFM Advisory Committee said it has not been made clear what will happen if women do not express an interest in registering with the fund during the three months of Judge Quirke’s deliberation.

“The consequences of a survivor not registering with the Magdalene Fund during the three months of Mr Justice Quirke’s review have not been made clear. In this year of ‘The Gathering’ it is imperative that the Government reach out to Magdalene survivors at home and abroad to ensure that each and every survivor has an equal opportunity to engage with the process.”

Magdalene Survivors Together have said they are seeking €50,000 in compensation for trauma suffered for each woman and €20,000 for each year worked in the laundry.

€250,000 has been provided to Britain-based survivors of Magdalene Laundries and Industrial Schools.