Dáil dispute over apology for Magdalenes

An apology to the victims of Magdalene Laundries was at the centre of a bitter political row last night as the Government accused the opposition of “breathtaking opportunism” for tabling a Dáil motion on the issue.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter accused Fianna Fáil of a “shameful attempt to make political capital” from a report “dealing with the hurt felt by many women during and as a result of the time they spent in Magdalene Laundries”.

He was speaking during a debate on a motion put down by Fianna Fáil urging a full state apology and some form of redress for the women. The motion was defeated.