It’s time to shine a light on other dark scandals of the nation’s past

THE Taoiseach’s apology to the women who had survived the hardship and abuse of the Magdalene laundries represented significant social progress, for which he deserves congratulations.

It also, if it is to be seen as a real milestone, represents unfinished business.

I read over the weekend that there was cynicism behind the apology. Nothing, I believe, could be further from the truth. The Taoiseach’s apology, and the meetings he had with the women in the fortnight before, was clearly entirely heartfelt. In fact, watching and listening to it, it was clear that the experience had left a lasting mark on the Taoiseach and on those around him. He had learned, and applied, a huge amount in a fortnight. Now that passion and insight must be applied to other things.