'Ireland failed you': President Higgins apologises to Magdalene Laundries survivors at Áras an Uachtaráin event

President Michael D Higgins has apologised to the survivors of the Magdalene Laundries at an event to honour the women at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Update 10.25pm: The Justice Minister says its difficult to stand with the Magdalene Laundries survivors at an event at the Mansion House as he is representing the State which let them down.

Charlie Flanagan says the truth is the woman who suffered had to wait far too long for acknowledgement, recognition and an official apology.