Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Former Senator McAleese has done the State some service. His report records a blight on our social history - on the Ireland which we have come from. It showed that more than 10,000 women were committed to the Magdalen laundries, one of which was in Galway from where I come. More than one quarter of these women were referrals made by the State. What is significant about this report is that all of these victims were women and children. It is clear they are still hurting and suffering. We know that an apology goes an awfully long way towards healing and they deserve it and should get it. Will the Government seriously reflect on giving them that apology so they can get peace of mind and heal? Will the Leader arrange a full debate and seek clarity from the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, on the entitlements these women currently receive from the State? These Irish women were in servitude to this State. That is not something of which we should be proud and they deserve an apology.