Magdalene survivors expect unreserved apology on behalf of state today

Survivors of the Magdalene laundries expect the Government to make an unreserved apology today on behalf of the State for what happened in the facilities.

The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the wording of an apology and a compensation package for survivors before a statement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the Dáil later in the day.

Mr Kenny is scheduled to make a 15-minute speech shortly before 6pm, in which he will address demands by survivors. Two hours of statements by TDs, including party leaders, will then be made on the McAleese report on the institutions.

A Government spokesman said the Coalition leaders had undertaken to hear from former residents and this would help inform how the State would respond. Specific requirements of survivors were being listened to and “a process was being put in place”.

Magdalene Survivors Together said the women had been adamant they wanted an apology during talks with departments officials and Mr Kenny in recent days. Group representative Steven O’Riordan said survivors wanted the experiences of women held in Stanhope Street, Dublin, and Summerhill, Wexford, to be examined.

There have been negotiations in recent days on the choreography of today’s expected apology, as well as what can help survivors through compensation or services. A compensation scheme incorporating a lump sum payment, as well as loss of wages, will be examined. Questions remain over what role or contribution religious orders may play in any scheme.

Health minister of state Kathleen Lynch said on Sunday that compensation would be provided to survivors on an individual basis. Some women would not need help in relation to housing but others may have health and financial needs, she said. The Labour TD said the Government had decided on a chairperson with “competence and compassion and the expertise” to examine compensation.

The Labour party earlier this month released a statement calling for a State apology.

Magdalene Survivors Together wants a €50,000 lump sum payment for women sent to a laundry and €20,000 per year’s detention for loss of wages.

Estimates suggest the compensation bill for survivors could reach €100m, while between 700 and 1,000 survivors may still be alive.

A separate group, Justice For Magdalene, wants a package for women that includes pensions, healthcare, counselling, and housing services. The group has not met with Mr Kenny.

It proposes a €100,000 payment for survivors, support services, pensions, and lost wages and points out that women are prepared to forego their right to go before the courts.