Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am sure the Deputy empathises, as I do, in respect of the difficulties, the emotional trauma and the personal difficulties of many of the people involved in the Magdalene laundries and what they went through. The Deputy is also aware that this goes back to before the turn of the last century. The United Nations Committee Against Torture, UNCAT, issued its concluding observations yesterday, 6 June, following Ireland's first examination in Geneva under Article 19 of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The committee's concluding observations covered a range of issues from prisoner conditions to the total prohibition of corporal punishment, the Magdalene laundries, the follow up to the Ryan report and the processing of applications for refugee status. In its statement the committee acknowledged this country's commitment to engage with it in a constructive manner. The committee commended Ireland on the detailed written replies supplied by the Irish delegation during the formal hearing examination and on the significant progress made by the authorities in recent years in areas such as the prevention of domestic violence and human trafficking.

The Minister for Justice and Equality has received the report. He is preparing a memorandum for Government arising from the findings of the report. A good deal of work has been done by the Minister for Justice and Equality in this regard already. The Minister for Justice and Equality is in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. A draft submission is being prepared and will be brought to Government shortly. The Government will make its decision and report to the House.

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