Progress made for Magdalene Laundry survivors - Kennedy

Dublin North Fianna Fáil TD, Michael Kennedy, has welcomed this week’s progress for the survivors of the Magdalene Laundries campaigning for redress, following the Taoiseach’s commitment to refer the matter to the Department of Justice.

An Oireachtas committee has been set up to look at the issue of redress for women who were held in Magdalene Laundries. This committee will meet early in the new year to set up an all-party motion for redress, following evidence of State referral presented this week to TDs by Professor James Smith, a member of Justice for the Magdalenes Advisory Committee.

Speaking in the Dáil today, Deputy Kennedy continued his call for a contribution to be made to survivors of the Magdalene Laundries who weren’t part of the Ryan Report.

"It is only fair that the girls who suffered while in the so-called ‘care’ of the Magdalene Laundries receive the same compensation as those outlined in the Ryan Report."

"It is vital that State records be made available to families to trace their siblings and for adopted children, who have been deprived of records, to be able to identify their birth parents. Additionally, new headstones should be provided to replace existing headstones which include the word ‘penitent’ on them. These graves must be maintained regularly and given the respect they deserve."

Deputy Kennedy continued, "It transpires that a number of these women were transferred following court appearances to places including the church-run asylum on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin, in the 1960s. The State has its part to play and an immediate apology on behalf of the State should be issued separate to the redress scheme. These women should also receive the State pension."

"I have worked on this issue for some time and have spoken to a number of people representing the Magdalene survivors. These brave women are not getting any younger and may not see out the legalities of the redress scheme. For this very reason, an apology would provide some relief to them before it’s too late."

"It is a matter of principle for these survivors, whose lives have been scarred by the treatment they received while at these Laundries. They spent their youth being treated differently to their peers and we have the opportunity to break this cycle now," added Deputy Kennedy.