A CO Donegal man leading a campaign for justice for victims of clerical sexual abuse in the North has welcomed tonight’s State apology from An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to survivors of the Magdalene Laundries.
But Michael Connolly says the Northern state needs to follow suit when it comes to clerical sex abuse.
“My heart goes out to the Survivors of the Magdalene Laundries and their families. I’m sure the long-awaited apology by the Taoiseach is very welcome,” said Mr Connolly.
“Unfortunately because of the length of time it has taken to establish and complete this report; many of these woman are not with us to hear those simple words, “it was not your fault and we are deeply sorry”.
“We can only look forward to the day that the leaders of the Northern Ireland Government and the Ecclesiastical make a similar statement; to that which the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, made this evening to the survivors of the Magdalene laundries.”
Mr Connolly asked how many Northern survivors will not be with us because of the time it will have taken for the Northern Ireland Assembly to initiate a Clerical abuse enquiry?
“How long is it going to take before we hear, Peter D Robertson MLA and Martin McGuinness MLA, on behalf of the Northern Ireland State, make a heartfelt apology to Northern Ireland survivors?” he asked.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel for institutional Survivors, which is very welcome, but how long is going to take before Clerical abused Survivors get to speak their truth.”
It’s thought dozens of women from Donegal were sent to the Laundries over a 60-year period, most undocumented.
In his speech to the Dail Mr Kenny said: ”I, as Taoiseach, on behalf of the State, the Government and our citizens deeply regret and apologise unreservedly to all those women for the hurt that was done to them.”
Mr Kenny said Law Reform Commission President Judge John Quirke will undertake a review to assess how the Government can provide payments to victims.
An emotional Mr Kenny, who cried as he made his speech, spoke directly to the women in the public gallery and said that society had failed them and forgotten them.
He said: “This is a national shame for which I’m deeply sorry and offer my full apologies.”
Magdalene survivors welcomed the apology, saying it vindicates their campaign and removes any stigma.
The apology was welcomed by victims as well as politicians on all sides.