TD fitted as altar boy in Magdalene Laundry

CLARE TD Michael McNamara this week recalled how, as a child he was measured and fitted as an altar server in what he now knows was a Magdalene Laundry.
Deputy McNamara also said the Taoiseach’s historic, heartfelt and emotional apology to the women who suffered in the Magdalene Laundries was “the most moving moment I experienced since I was elected to Dáil Éireann”.
“The Taoiseach described what happened as a national shame but it is also a shame for every county and parish all over Ireland from which those women were sent,” he said.
Deputy McNamara also noted the McAleese Report identified 261 women from Clare who spent time in Magdalene laundries, although the real figure is likely to be much higher.
“I remember, as a child who served mass, being measured and fitted with a surplice and soutane in what I now know was a Magdalene Laundry. I may never see those women again or many of the other women from Clare who were in those institutions. Many did not live to hear the apology but I hope the Taoiseach’s apology will be a source of liberation and healing for the women who are still with us and for the families of those who have died without hearing anybody say sorry,” he said.
The Labour TD said he welcomed the Government’s decision to assist surviving women in the matter of payments and other supports, including medical cards, psychological and counselling services and other welfare needs.
“The Government is determined that the process will be speedy, fair and meaningful. It is recommended that the survivors get in touch with the Department of Justice to register their interest in receiving assistance. In addition, I am available to assist any woman who wishes to talk about the process and to help her in any way that I can,” he said.
Deputy McNamara fully supports the statement by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore that there is a role for the religious orders, which ran the laundries, to make a fair contribution, along with the taxpayer.
“I agree with him that these laundries were private businesses, run by those orders, which benefited from the unpaid labour of the women committed to them,” he said.