Madam, – One month has passed since the Irish Human Rights Commission published its assessment and recommendation to the Government regarding human rights violations in the Magdalene laundries. One month has passed since the Government referred the assessment to the Attorney General for his consideration and review (Home News, November 10th). What is the status of the Attorney General’s review? Can the Minister for Justice indicate if and when the Government’s response to the IHRC report will be made public?
There is a population of elderly and ageing Magdalene survivors for whom this matter is deeply significant, indeed urgent. They are still waiting for some small measure of restorative justice – an apology, redress, compensation – and the dignity that comes with it. Justice for Magdalenes first circulated its draft language for a proposed apology and distinct redress scheme on July 3rd, 2009. Survivors have waited 17 months. The Minister for Justice should do everything in his power to expedite this process for their sakes.
It remains in the Government’s gift to respond to the IHRC assessment document without further delay. – Yours, etc,