Judicial review brought over Magdalene redress ‘vindicated’ by Ombudsman

A lawyer who brought judicial review proceedings on behalf of women excluded from the Magdalene laundries redress scheme says the actions have been “vindicated” by the Ombudsman’s findings.

A report published by Ombudsman Peter Tyndall yesterday criticises the Department of Justice over its administration of the Magdalene Restorative Justice Scheme and recommends re-examining some women’s exclusion from the scheme.

Responding to the findings, solicitor Wendy Lyon of KOD Lyons told Irish Legal News: “KOD Lyons has brought judicial review proceedings on behalf of a number of women, challenging their exclusion from the scheme because they are recorded as being admitted through an industrial school rather than directly to the laundries.

“The Ombudsman’s report yesterday vindicated our actions and it’s very gratifying to see, for the first time, recognition from a State body that these women are every bit as entitled to redress for the forced labour they were subjected to.

“Earlier this year, the High Court ordered the Department of Justice to withdraw its refusals of two applications, and to reconsider those women’s cases after the Ombudsman concluded his investigation. The Minister has now pledged to give ‘full and careful consideration’ to the Ombudsman’s recommendations.”

Ms Lyon added: “It’s been inspiring to work with these women, who were put through so much and still had the strength and courage to come forward and challenge their unfair exclusion. Justice for Magdalenes have also worked tirelessly on this issue for many years.

“I firmly believe that the people of Ireland do want to see justice for these women, and hopefully now we will.”