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Taoiseach's statement on Magdalene Laundries report

Taoiseach Enda Kenny today addressed Dáil Éireann on the subject of the Magdalene Laundries report. The Taoiseach issued an apology to women who spent time in the Magdalene Laundries on behalf of the State:

Therefore, I, as Taoiseach, on behalf of the State, the government and our citizens deeply regret and apologise unreservedly to all those women for the hurt that was done to them, and for any stigma they suffered, as a result of the time they spent in a Magdalene Laundry.

The Taoiseach continued:

...the Government has today asked the President of the Law Reform Commission Judge John Quirke to undertake a three month review and to make recommendations as to the criteria that should be applied in assessing the help that the government can provide in the areas of payments and other supports, including medical cards, psychological and counselling services and other welfare needs.

The terms of reference for Judge Quirke will be published later today and I will also arrange for the representatives of the women to be fully briefed on this process. When Judge Quirke has reported, the government will establish a Fund to assist the women, based on his recommendations.

Read the Taoiseach's full speech here.

Read the Tánaiste's full speech here.