IRELAND
Irish Independent
Leslie Keegan: There must be an apology to the Magdelen Laundry survivors and appropriate redress
Tuesday February 05 2013
IN June 2011 the United Nations Committee against torture in its 46th Session criticised Ireland for failing to protect girls and women who were involuntarily confined between 1922 and 1996.
It also criticised Ireland for its failure to regulate and inspect the operations of these institutions where it is alleged that physical abuse, emotional abuse and other acts of ill-treatment were committed.
It recommended that Ireland should introduce prompt, independent and thorough investigations into all complaints of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment committed in the Magdalen Laundries.
In appropriate cases it should prosecute and punish the perpetrators. It also recommended that the State should ensure that all victims obtain redress and have an enforceable right to compensation. This led to the setting up of the McAleese Inquiry which has resulted in the publication of a 1,000 page report.
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