Taoiseach Rules out Going down the Legal Route to Force Orders to Contribute to Magdalene Fund

Irish Mirror
July 17, 2013

http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/taoiseach-enda-kenny-rules-out-2059077

Taoiseach Enda Kenny

Enda Kenny does not want to take legal action to force religious orders to contribute to the Magdalene fund.

The Taoiseach played down speculation that the Government will force them to foot up some of their multi-million euro redress scheme for survivors of the institutions.

The scheme is expected to cost between €34.5 million and €58 million, depending on how many women apply.

Mr Kenny said he would like to think they would reconsider their decision but he "can't force them to".

He added: "I have no interest in going down the legal route of confrontation with the religious orders."

The Taoiseach came under fire in the Dail but he insisted the priority was to bring a speedy conclusion to the issue.

He said a legal route would delay the scheme.

Earlier this morning Justice Minister Alan Shatter said he couldn't forced the congregations to cough up the cash for the fund .

More than 210 women who worked in the Catholic-run workhouses have already applied to the multi-million euro compensation scheme announced by the Government last month.

There have been calls to strip the congregations of their charity status but Mr Shatter said he was unable to do this either.