Magdalene report to be considered by Cabinet in two weeks

MICHAEL O’REGAN and MARIE O’HALLORAN

The report prepared by a retired High Court judge on a redress scheme for women and girls held in the Magdalene laundries is expected to become before the Cabinet in the next two weeks, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said.

Mr Kenny told the Dail this afternoon that the Government would consider the report's recommendations, as well as the views of Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, and make a decision on it.

“Hopefully, it can be dealt with speedily and conclusively,’’ he added.

The Taoiseach was replying to Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, who referred to weekend media reports suggesting that Mr Justice Quirke had recommended the setting up of a reconciliation forum between the women and their former abusers.

This, she added, had caused great upset among many survivors who had been in contact with her in recent days. The women had waited many years for recognition and vindication.