The nun known as the Mother Theresa of Cork has called on the Government to do more to tackle homelessness — particularly at risk women and children.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he cannot force the religious orders to make a contribution to the redress scheme for former residents of the Magdalene laundries.

Kathleen Whelan was one of about a dozen former Magdalene laundry survivors who travelled to Cork’s City Hall to meet the Lord Mayor as he signed a book of apologies for the women.

Someone very dear to me was a resident of a Good Shepherd convent from the 1920s until her death over 20 years ago.

Magdalene Laundries operated on a subsistence or close to break-even basis despite the “common perception” that they were highly profitable.

A religious order has refused to offer any explanation as to why four women who died in its care are named as being buried in two different locations.

HEROIN is now one of the single biggest problems facing homeless women in Cork.

A group representing survivors of the Magdalene laundries has presented a report to the Government alleging widespread state involvement with the notorious workhouses.

LIMERICK Institute of Technology’s new €9 million school of art and design points to a new era of creativity for its 600 students, the Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe said yesterday.