Magdalene Apology
Members of Magdalene Survivors Together on their way to the Dail before an anticipated apology from Enda Kenny on behalf of the State. Photograph: Alan Betson /The Irish Times
Maureen O'Sullivan who spent 2 years in a Magdalene laundry on her way into the Dail with other survivors . Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Women gather at Leinster House as Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to make a statement two weeks after the McAleese report revealed significant State involvement in the 10,000 women who passed through the religious run laundries. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Angela Downey, from Donnybrook, whose mother Mary Merrigan spent 40 years in Magdalene laundries, outside the Dail. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Survivors of Magdalene laundries on their way into the Dail to sit in the public gallery for the debate on the McAleese report and an apology from Enda Kenny on behalf of the State. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Survivors in the public gallery received a standing ovation from TDs in the packed chamber when the Taoiseach concluded. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Speaking directly to the women, some of whom sat in the public gallery, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: 'This is a national shame, for which I again say, I am deeply sorry and offer my full and heartfelt apologies'.
"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, and for any stigma they suffered, as a result of the time they spent in a Magdalene laundry,' Taoiseach Enda Kenny said. His voice choked with emotion as he concluded his address.
Women were 'trilled and moved' by the apology. Kathleen Janette pictured leaving Leinster House was in Stanhope Street from 1951-1954. Stanhope Street women will now be included in the fund to assist women. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA
Magdalene laundry survivors Marina Gambold, Maureen O'Sullivan and Kathleen Jannette outside the Dail after Enda Kenny’s State apology. 'He didn’t hold back on anything. He really did us proud,' Ms O’Sullivan said. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Mary Smyth of Madalene Survivors Together leaving Leinster House in after hearing Taoiseach Enda Kenny's State apology. Women were 'thrilled and moved' by the speech. Niall Carson/PA Wire
Survivors of Magdalene laundries Diane Croghan, Josaphine Meade, Mary Smyth and Kathleen Jannette outside the Dail. Women described the apology as 'extraordinary' and 'fantastic' Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
Marina Gambold, Maureen O'Sullivan, Mary McGuinness, Kathleen Janette, Steven O'Riordan, Geraldine Cronin and Julie McClure outsie the Dail. 'Now we can get on with our lives,' Ms O'Sullivan said. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
