Justice scheme over Laundries to be widened
14 more institutions included in payment plan
THE Government has agreed to include 14 more institutions in its payment scheme for survivors of the Magdalene Laundries.
A redress programme was set up in 2013 which has seen nearly 700 people receive just over €26million in lump sum payments.
But many institutions were excluded from the original scheme and have spent years fighting for inclusion.
Payments under the Magdalene Restorative Justice Scheme are based on the length of stay of an applicant and the “award” is made up of a “general” and “work” payment.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “I am pleased to announce the Government has agreed to my proposal to apply the Magdalene Restorative Justice Scheme to women who worked in the Laundries and were resident in these adjoining institutions. This is an important step in implementing the key recommendation of the Ombudsman.”
The scheme will apply to women who worked or lived in the Laundries.
In April the minister, acting on the Ombdudsman’s recommendations, announced the setting up of a group to review the eligibility of women who worked in one of the institutions covered by the scheme.
These were women recorded at a training centre or industrial school in the same building, attached to it or located on the grounds. This group finished its work and the minister brought proposals to Government, which have been approved.
He said: “I am committed to progressing action on the Ombudsman’s recommendations in consultation with his office and I will, as necessary, bring further updates and proposals to Government.” Those that qualify are also entitled to an enhanced medical card and “top up” pension payments. The institutions include St Aidan’s Industrial School, New Ross, Co Wexford; St Dominick’s Industrial School, Gracepark Training Centre, Mayfield Training Centre, all Waterford; St Finbarr’s Industrial School, Marymount Training Centre, both in Cork; St George’s Industrial School, St Joseph’s Reformatory School, Rosemount Training Centre, all Limerick. Also in the scheme are An Grianan Training Centre, St Joseph’s Industrial School and Martanna House Hostel, all High Park, Dublin; St Anne’s Hostel, Sean Mcdermott Street, Dublin, and St Michael’s Industrial School, Summerhill, Wexford. news@irishmirror.ie