Kenny says sorry to ‘blameless’ women

The Taoiseach has apologised on behalf of the State to the victims of the Magdalene Laundries who he said were “wholly blameless” for their ordeal which he described as “the country’s terrible secret”.

In an emotional Dáil speech, Enda Kenny said the Government will establish a fund which will provide “speedy, fair and meaningful help to the women in a compassionate and non-adversarial way”.

Around 20 survivors sat in the Dáil’s visitor’s gallery to witness the moment they once thought was impossible, which arrived at 6.30pm yesterday evening.