McAleese to chair probe into state’s Magdalene role

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

Justice Minister Alan Shatter appointed President Mary McAleese’s husband, a senator, to oversee a committee set up to clarify any state interaction with the notorious workhouses.

An international torture watchdog has urged a statutory inquiry involving the religious congregations that ran the homes, prosecutions where necessary and victim compensation.