NWCI welcomes governments decision on Magdalene Laundries

Published: Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The National Women's Council of Ireland warmly welcomes the decision of the government to ask an independently chaired committee to clarify any State interaction with the Magdalene laundries. "The Magdalene Laundries were based on an extremely sexist attitude to women, exploiting and punishing women who had done nothing wrong," said Susan McKay, CEO of the National Women's Council. "That the last laundry only closed in 1996 is shocking. The women who survived incarceration in these appalling institutions have, in many cases, been profoundly damaged by the experience. They must be given respect and recompense for what they have suffered in the name of Ireland's piety."

The Justice for Magdalenes (JFM) is a member of the National Women's Council of Ireland and we have strongly supported its campaign on behalf of this desperately neglected group of women. We have in recent weeks lobbied female politicians as well as the Cabinet and Ministers of State.

"Much work remains to be done, however, and JFM looks forward to working with both the State and the religious congregations in the coming weeks and months to bring about a prompt and timely resolution to this "restorative and reconciliation process". JFM has already proposed a structure that might be utilized to facilitate this process, which the UN Committee Against Torture has recommended that the government examine more closely." said Claire McGettrick, spokeswoman for Justice for Magdalenes. She thanked the NWCI for helping to bring the campaign to this point.

The NWCI shares the JFM's disappointment that the government has not as yet offered the survivors of the laundries a public apology. This is of the utmost importance to all those involved.

The NWCI, in conjunction with the JFM, welcomes further talks with the government and religious institutions to ensure that justice is belatedly served. [ends]