merrion street

The Government today considered the circumstances of the women and girls who resided in the Magdalene Laundries. The Government welcomed the statement made last week by CORI on behalf of the four congregations, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, the Religious Sisters of Charity, the Sisters of Mercy and the Good Shepherd Sisters who indicated their “willingness” to “bring clarity, understanding, healing and justice in the interests of all the women involved”. The Government believes it is essential to fully establish the true facts and circumstances relating to the Magdalene Laundries as a first step. The following has been agreed:

1. An Inter-departmental Committee will be established, chaired by an

independent person, to clarify any State interaction with the

Magdalene Laundries and to produce a narrative detailing such

interaction.

2. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD and

the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Equality,

Mental Health and Older People, Kathleen Lynch TD are to meet with

the religious congregations and the groups representing former

residents of the Magdalene Laundries.