Two nuns who were involved in running Magdalene laundries have defended the role of the four congregations which operated the 10 such institutions in Ireland up to 1996.

The two sisters were interviewed for an American magazine and the interview was allowed to be shared with RTE Radio 1’s program “The God Slot” on condition that the nuns, their congregation and where they worked were not named. The nuns voiced were performed by an actor.

When “Sister A” was asked whether an apology might be appropriate after the McAleese report on the Magdalene laundries, she responded, “Apologise for what? Apologise for providing a service? We provided a free service for the country. Okay, it may have been putting away an ugly part to society, which it was in a sense, but it was the family who chose to put them there?”. “Sister B” claimed that that religious congregations in Ireland have been “stigmatised by the media”. “Sister B” also said that “Some people claim generational hurt but we are suffering the generational hurt as much as any of the residents out of this and it is unfair…”. “Sister B” also said that “The sins of society are being placed on us, the scapegoat, and we are being sent off into the desert because that’s the only way they can get rid of the stigma. It’s the media who are portraying us in this light.”

It is clear that the two sisters in this interview feel that religious congregations in Ireland are being unfairly blamed for the terrible acts that happened in the Magdalene laundries. The government has set up a redress scheme to compensate survivors of the Magdalene laundries. If you are a survivor of the Magdalene laundries, we would be delighted to speak with you and advise you of your rights.

Call us NOW on 01 836 3655 or email info@dwalleysol.com, to speak to one of our experienced solicitors.

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