Magdalene survivors urge Coalition to deliver on promises

By Emma-Jane Hade
Irish Independent
January 20, 2015

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/magdalene-survivors-urge-coalition-to-deliver-on-promises-30921055.html

A survivor of the Magdalene laundries who is now battling lung cancer has said the Government must deliver on its promises for redress in full.

Dubliner Martina Keogh spent almost two years in two different Magdalene laundry homes when she was a young woman.

She is supporting a coalition of groups who are calling on the Government to fully implement all the recommendations made by Mr Justice John Quirke in the restorative redress scheme, particularly in relation to healthcare.

The group, which includes Justice for Magdalenes Research (JFMR), the National Women's Council of Ireland, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Amnesty International, claims the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Bill is an "unacceptable paring back of what the Government promised".

Maeve O'Rourke, from JFMR, said the bill promises little more than the regular medical card, "which most of the women already have."

Survivors want a card giving them access to a full range of health services, similar to the HAA cards issued to women infected with Hepatitis C through infected blood products.

Ms Keogh said: "I am hoping the Taoiseach will give us that card so we can get better treatment. I think they should stand up and deliver what they promised us."

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice last night said: "The Magdalene women will receive an enhanced medical card on the same lines as the HAA card. Under this legislation, GP, prescription medicines, nursing, home help, dental, ophthalmic, aural, counselling, chiropody and physiotherapy services will be made available by the HSE free of charge."