26th June 2013

The Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy welcome the publication of the Report of Mr Justice John Quirke on the establishment of an ex gratia scheme and related matters for the benefit of those women who were admitted to and worked in the Magdalene Laundries. This Report is a valuable and timely follow up to the publication of the McAleese report last February.

Two Magdalene Homes, Dun Laoghaire and Galway were under the care of Convents of Mercy. Both were already in operation before coming under our care. The home at Dun Laoghaire closed in 1963. The Laundry at the Galway home closed in 1984. Many of the women who resided at the Galway home remained on in our care for the remainder of their lives.

We commit to providing such assistance as our records allow, to enable women who spent time in Dun Laoghaire or Galway to establish the period spent there so that they may avail of the proposed scheme. Our archive is professionally supported and all who seek records may be assured of an appropriate and caring response, in keeping with statutory requirements regarding the release of personal information.

We particularly welcome the proposal for the establishment of a dedicated unit through which on-going support and assistance may be obtained by the women. It is suggested that the ‘Dedicated Unit’ may have among its functions the provision of assistance to enable women who wish to do so to meet with those members of religious congregations who have similar wishes to meet and interact. We will welcome the opportunity for such interaction mindful that all Sisters who held positions of responsibility and worked in Galway or Dun Laoghaire are now deceased.

Congregation