A religious order that ran two Magdalene Laundries told the Government that its decision not to contribute any money to the redress scheme for survivors was based on the findings of the McAleese Report.

Justice for Magdalenes has this evening welcomed the apology by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Martin McAleese, husband of the former president, quit the Seanad yesterday, just days before he unveils the findings of a major investigation into the Magdalene laundries scandal.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter is to bring the Report on the Magdalene Laundries to Government shortly, with a view to publishing it within four weeks.

A report on state involvement in the conditions in the Magdalene Laundries will be submitted to Government by the end of the year.