OVER the past few weeks we have all been flabbergasted by the Tuam Mother and Child Home controversy.

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.

Religious congregations have a moral obligation to contribute to a fund to support survivors of the Magdalene laundries, Justice Minister Alan Shatter said.

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