merrion street

Alan Shatter T.D. Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence announced today that he has been advised by Senator Martin McAleese, Chairperson of the Inter-Departmental Committee, that the final report of the Committee will be submitted before the end of the year at the latest.

The Committee, independently chaired by Senator Martin McAleese, was set up by Government to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalen Laundries, to clarify any State interaction, and to produce a narrative detailing such interaction. The Committee has produced an initial progress report which was published on 25 October, 2011.

Senator McAleese has advised the Minister that the Committee has made excellent progress despite the considerable challenges faced. A significant level of information and documentation has been identified. However, relevant records continue to be identified by Government Departments and State Agencies and the Committee also continues to receive new submissions from representative and advocacy groups.

Senator McAleese has indicated that the information still being identified has the capacity to add in a meaningful way to the overall outcome of the Committee’s work. The Committee feels that it would be improper to conclude its work without examining this additional material. The Committee intends to present a substantial Final Report as soon as possible and at the latest before the end of this year.