Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has welcomed the recommendations of a report by Ombudsman Peter Tyndall that calls for the re-examination of a government decision to exclude some women from the Magdalene Restorative Justice Scheme.

The Sinn Féin TD said that the narrow selective approach from various governments has added to the hurt of victims, as many of them have been left out of redress schemes, ignored, denied a hearing, or even the smallest semblance of justice.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Despite an apology from An Taoiseach to those who suffered appalling abuse and treatment in state run institutions and religious homes, the State continues adopt a selective approach to redress. This is adding to the hurt of victims who have been left out of  redress schemes, ignored, denied a hearing, or even the smallest any semblance of justice.

“It is absolutely unacceptable and downright shameful to see women who were deprived of their freedom, forced to work in appalling conditions, starved and confined like criminals, often on the same grounds as the twelve institutions covered by this latest scheme, being excluded from the government’s own restorative justice scheme.

“I welcome the recommendations of a report by Ombudsman Peter Tyndall that calls for the re-examination of a decision to exclude some women from the Magdalene Restorative Justice Scheme. His report also raises concerns over a ‘flawed administrative process’ within the Department. This included the Department of Justice failing to take any steps to ensure women who lack the capacity to look after their own affairs were included. This is deeply worrying and shameful.

“The women who were exploited and used to work in these laundries deserve redress, state recognition, and an apology. They should not be excluded or have to face further distress because of a restrictively narrow interpretation of eligibility and obscure legal technicalities. The government needs to adopt a more inclusive and more enlightened approach when it comes to the survivors of state and religious institutions.”

ENDS