Mary O’Toole SC appointed to review disputed Magdalen scheme cases

Mary O’Toole SC has been appointed to review cases submitted to the Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme where a woman’s length of stay in a Magdalen institution is in dispute.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan yesterday briefed Cabinet on proposals to implement the recommendations made by the Ombudsman in his November 2017 report on the scheme.

He said he had “carefully considered the Ombudsman’s report” and had recently met him alongside the Taoiseach.

Mr Flanagan has now announced that Ms O’Toole will review cases where there is a dispute in respect of the length of stay in a Magdalen institution, and will also advise on assistance to be given to applicants who lack capacity to accept an award.

The reviews recommended by the Ombudsman in regard to eligibility of cases of women who worked in one of the institutions but who were officially recorded as having been “admitted to” a training centre or industrial school at the laundry will be taken forward on an interdepartmental basis, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach. This group will be established in the coming days and its report will be considered by Government in due course.

The recommendation to establish guidance in the development and operation of redress schemes will be examined further by Cabinet.

Mr Flanagan said: “I am committed, as are my Government colleagues, to honouring the commitments we have made to the Magdalen women. To date, over 691 applicants have received redress under the Ex Gratia Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme, along with other enhanced Health and Social Protection supports.

“I will work with the Ombudsman and with colleagues in Government to address these matters as quickly as possible.”