Costello Welcomes Apology for Magdalene Women

20 February 2013

by Cllr Joe Costello

Joe Costello T.D., Minister for Trade and Development, has welcomed the apology to the Magdalene Women by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on behalf of the State, the Government, and our citizens.

“I want to pay tribute to the Magdalene women, who suffered so grievously, and who have fought with dignity for many years for recognition and justice. The Magdalene Laundries should have been included in the 2002 Residential Institutions Redress Act, and it is essential that a suitable method of compensation and assistance is provided in prompt fashion, and in a way that satisfies these courageous women.

 “Following the progress made by Senator Martin McAleese’s report and by the Taoiseach’s formal apology, the outstanding case of mistreatment in institutional care must be dealt with , especially the treatment of Protestant women and children in institutional care in Bethany Home.

“Former residents of Bethany Home have been fighting for many years for the State to recognise its role in Bethany Home. Similar institutions to Bethany have been included in the Redress Scheme or, in the case of the Magdalene Laundries now have had State involvement in their operation recognised. However, the Bethany Home continues to be excluded, and the former residents continue to be denied recognition of the State’s role in their mistreatment.

“I believe that it is now essential that State involvement in Bethany Home is dealt with it in a manner similar to Senator Martin McAleese’s investigation of Magdalene Laundries, so that the residential containment of women and children in those dark days can be dealt with by the State once and for all.”