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Mr Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence today announced the appointment of Senator Dr. Martin McAleese as the Chairperson of the Inter-departmental Committee on the Magdalene Laundries.

The Government believes it is essential to fully establish the true facts and circumstances relating to the Magdalene Laundries as a first step. The purpose of the Inter-departmental Committee will be to clarify any State interaction with the Magdalene Laundries and to produce a narrative detailing such interaction.

Announcing the appointment Minister Shatter said "I am delighted that Senator McAleese has agreed to take on the important role of Chairperson of the Inter-departmental Committee. The value of his work and involvement in the peace process in Northern Ireland and the positive contribution he has made to life on this island have been widely recognised. He is a person of the highest integrity whose presence on the Committee will, I believe, both enhance it’s stature and, importantly, reassure everyone concerned that the role of Chairperson of the Inter-departmental Committee is a truly independent one."

An initial report is to be made to Cabinet on the progress being made by the Inter-departmental Committee within 3 months of it’s first meeting.