Funds disbursed within weeks for Magdalene survivors

Nearly 700 Magdalene Laundry survivors who have so far applied for compensation payments will begin to receive funds under a government scheme in the next few weeks.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter last night said that full details of the compensation scheme were discussed at Cabinet yesterday and would be published in the coming days.

The provision of separate welfare payments for survivors will also be backdated to August as final administrative and legislative measures are worked out, it was announced.