PRIMATE OF All-Ireland Cardinal Seán Brady has encouraged Magdalene survivors in their efforts to establish dialogue with religious congregations.
The cardinal met representatives of advocacy group Justice for Magdalenes (JFM) for two hours at his residence in Armagh on Thursday evening. He said yesterday it was a welcome opportunity to listen to the perspective of the JFM on “the story of the involvement of church, State and society in the former Magdalene laundries”.
“By today’s standards much of what happened at that time is difficult to comprehend,” he said.
He hoped that the perspective of those who operated the laundries would also be “respectfully heard and listened to”.
The cardinal said he encouraged the JFM to “continue its efforts to establish dialogue and a process of justice and healing for all concerned”.
Prof James Smith, of JFM and Boston College, said he was pleased the bishops “seemed to take on board that time is of the essence in bringing restorative justice to this elderly and ageing population. We also underscored that the church’s archives hold the key to detailing the extent of the State’s involvement in the Magdalene system.”
Dr Katherine O’Donnell of UCD’s school of social justice said: “The meeting was particularly productive in identifying that the ethical release of the church’s archives could result in speedy and beneficial actions.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice said it would explore the possibility of a State apology to Magdalene survivors.
Members of JFM met department officials yesterday. It was part of a series of meetings between JFM and Government officials over the past few months.
The department wanted to ensure that the State was not admitting any liability in any apology, JFM said in a statement.
The State was “relying on the fact that an elderly and ageing group . . . will not be in any position to pursue justice through the courts,” Claire McGettrick of JFM said.