The Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme is still open

The Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme has been open since 2013 and is still accepting applications. By February 2026 it had paid €33.4 million to 834 women. Two things keep people from applying: it has moved department twice, so searches lead nowhere — and many women do not know the scheme was widened in 2018 to include them.

The 2018 change that brought more women in

The scheme began with twelve Magdalen institutions. In May 2018, following a recommendation from the Ombudsman, the Government decided to apply it also to women who were resident in one of 14 adjoining institutions and worked some hours in the laundry of a Magdalen institution.

If you were told years ago that you were not covered because of where you lived, that answer may no longer be right. There are two separate application forms — one for the original 2013 scheme, one for the 2018 extension.

What is paid

The Quirke Report set out the amounts, which vary between €11,500 and €100,000 depending on the length of time spent in the institution. By February 2026, €33.4m had been paid in ex-gratia awards to 834 applicants.

Applying

You will be asked for a long-form birth certificate, proof of your current address, photo identification, proof of your PPS number, records or other evidence of residence in a relevant institution, records of time working in the laundry where that applies, and a passport-size photograph.

Why it is hard to find

Administration of the scheme moved to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Searches that land on the Department of Justice, where it used to sit, lead nowhere — which is a large part of why women who are eligible believe the scheme has closed.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.

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