Payment of compensation to survivors of the Magdalene Laundries will
be made on a ex-gratia basis without establishing any liability on
behalf of State bodies.Despite Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s Dáil apology to those who suffered hurt and abuse in the Laundries, the person appointed to recommend the best means of providing support and payments to survivors will be constrained by the Government’s decision to limit the State’s legal culpability in the matter.
The provision is identical to that which pertains to compensation awarded under the Residential Institutions Redress Board scheme to those who, as children, were abused while resident in industrial schools, reformatories and other institutions subject to state regulation or inspection.
A three-month review is to be carried out by Mr Justice John Quirke to recommend the best means of providing support and payments to the survivors of the Magdalene Laundries, who have been invited to contact the Department of Justice to register their intent to seek State support.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter said while a simple structure is being devised, people should register their intent by contacting the department.
The Justice for Magdalenes campaign has urged the Government to give statutory powers to Mr Justice Quirke.
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said he believes the religious orders should make a contribution to the redress scheme for the Magdalene survivors, and should also offer an apology for their role.