Demand for Redress Promises to be Fulfilled

In 2013 the Magdalene redress scheme was placed into action under the former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and the Department of Justice. Today, several of the important parts of the redress scheme still have not be implemented. The lack of action on promised redress commitments betrays the Magdalene women and makes a mockery of the State apology.

The Magdalene redress scheme included a dedicated unit, which would assist the women to meet each other and facilitate the 'acquisition, maintenance and administration of any garden, museum or other form of memorial.’ It was agreed upon by the government that any such memorial or archival center or project should be overseen by an advisory board or committee that includes Magdalene women. Unfortunately, the consultation of government officials with Magdalene laundry survivors on how they believe the institutionalized abuse they endured should be memorialized has yet to occur. With some of the institutions being up for sale for private ownership, the promises of consultation become bleaker each day. Along with the institutions being sold off, most survivors are older, and every delay increases the risk that they will not see justice done in their lifetime.

We are calling for those in leadership roles such as the current Taoiseach, Tanaiste, and Minister for Justice to organize a consultation of Magdalene survivors immediately and to implement the women's proposals for active memorialisation. The Magdalene women have suffered enough and it is now time for those who promised justice to facilitate the reparation process. We want the government officials responsible for the implementation of the redress scheme to be held accountable, to guarantee the Magdalene women are never forgotten.

Although the Ireland of the past allowed the abuse of Magdalene women to occur, the Ireland of the present can stand firm in its convictions to see that justice is given to whom it deserves.