No apology yet, says Magdalene support group
The support group for survivors of the Magdalene laundries has expressed regret that religious orders who ran the institutions have not yet apologised to the women involved.
It follows an announcement by the four congregation of nuns in question, that they will release records and participate in any investigation into allegations of abuse at the laundries.
"It's regrettable that the statement does not signal the order’s readiness to offer an apology at this time," Justice for Magdalene spokesperson Professor James Smyth.
"For all of the women, the survivors, an apology remains their most important and first priority."
Earlier this week, the UN Committee Against Torture recommended that a statutory inquiry into the laundries be established.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said that he will bring proposals to Cabinet within two weeks.
"We feel that an apology is very important – it’s what survivors are asking for," said Professor Smyth.
"It’s also the right thing to do."
