Magdalene Laundries: Apologise now, Taoiseach

I do not wish to make any political points, however I do want Taoiseach Enda Kenny to make an apology to the women survivors of the Magdalene Laundries.

The apology on behalf of the Irish people, all of us. In a free society, “some are guilty but all are responsible” — Rabbi A Heschel. It was in the late 1950s as far as I am aware that the question of the laundaries was raised by the late William Norton, re wages etc. These places were annually inspected by government. Government and various State bodies used the labour of the women.

Financial settlement, yes, pensions yes for these women. Taoiseach, the money you hold is not yours nor your government’s. It is our money, the people’s money. Apologise and compensate these women, they are our mothers, sisters, daughters.

Apologise now, not in two weeks’ time. Now Taoiseach, now.

Rev Fr Anthony J Butler

Blackrock Road

Cork