Kenny: Magdalene Compensation Fund Will Not Be a 'Gravy Train' for Lawyers

By Michael Brennan Deputy
Irish Independent
February 20, 2013

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/kenny-magdalene-compensation-fund-will-not-be-a-gravy-train-for-lawyers-29083952.html

[with video]

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has pledged that the compensation fund for Magdalene Laundry survivors will not be a "gravy train" for lawyers.

He said that the Magdalene survivors he had spoken to had specifically asked for  a process that was "non-legalistic" and "non-adversarial".

He said he believed it would be possible to deal with the issue compassionately and sensitively.

Previously, a redress board was set up to take evidence from survivors of physical and sexual abuse in industrial schools. The ultimate cost was €1.3bn, with survivors having to reveal what had happened to them in behind-closed- doors sessions, and lawyers getting a substantial share of the proceeds in legal fees.

At Leaders's Questions, Mr Kenny told the Dail that the cabinet would consider extending the compensation scheme to former residents of St Mary's Training Centre in Summerhill in Wexford. He also said that Justice Minister Alan Shatter was considering the issue of the former Bethany Home for unmarried mothers in Dublin - which has been described as a Protestant version of the Magdalene Laundries. It has not been included in the compensation scheme.