THE LONG OVERDUE report on the State’s involvement with the infamous Magdalen Laundries is to be published shortly.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter said he expects to receive the document within the next 10 days with a view to publication in about four weeks.
“I understand that the report will be submitted to me within 10 days by Senator McAleese,” Shatter said in a statement this afternoon. “As soon as I have had an opportunity to read what I understand to be a very substantial report, I will bring it to Government and it will then be published.
“I expect its publication within approximately four weeks.”
The Inter-Departmental Committee, chaired by Senator Martin McAleese, was set up to establish the facts of the State’s involvement with the institutions following a recommendation from the United Nations Committee Against Torture (UNCAT). That body said it was “gravely concerned” at the failure of the State to protect girls and women who were involuntarily confined between 1922 and 1996.
It was initially hoped that the final report would be completed by mid-2012 but a delay incurred because of the discovery of relevant information and documentation.
An independent inquiry will be considered by government on reading the final report.
A spokesperson for survivor advocacy group Justice for Magdelenes (JFM) told TheJournal.ie that they urge the government to publish “without delay”.
“Our main point, always, has been that an apology is long overdue and should have been brought forward before this process even started. Even more survivors would have come forward.
“Regardless, we are calling for an apology and redress.”
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