Door for medical cards ‘not shut’ to Magdalene laundries survivors

Minister of State for Primary Care Kathleen Lynch has said survivors of the Magdalene laundries can still apply for the medical card under the State's redress scheme. "There's no cut-off date for this," she said. "If they're out there and they wish to accept what's on offer, as laid out by Mr Justice Quirke, then not alone is the award available to them but indeed the medical card will be available as well."

As part of the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Bill 2014, survivors of Magdalene laundries are to receive medical cards from July 1st, entitling them to a wide range of services.

The provision of the Health Amendment Act card was recommended by Mr Justice John Quirke, who prepared the women’s compensation scheme.

Ms Lynch told RTÉ radio that about 512 women had so far accepted the provision set down by Mr Justice Quirke, adding that the medical card would not be means-tested. The card entitles the women to GP services, prescribed drugs, medicines, appliances and aids, dental, ophthalmic and aural services, home nursing, chiropody or podiatry, physiotherapy and counselling.