MARTIN McAleese will head an investigation into the state’s role in alleged abuse at the Magdalene laundries.

The Government is to investigate the State’s role in alleged abuse at the Magdalene Laundries.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has described a vow by religious congregations to co-operate with any inquiry into the Magdalene laundries as an important step.

A support group for survivors of the Magdalene Laundries has demanded a state apology after an international torture watchdog recommended a statutory inquiry.

The United Nations watchdog on torture has criticised Ireland’s prison conditions and accused the state of failing to protect women confined to Catholic Church workhouses.

WHEN the National Rehabilitation Hospital was founded half a century ago, few could have anticipated how valuable its services would prove for the nation.