Minister indicates inquiry into homes might not cover laundries

By Ciara Mcdonagh
Newstalk
June 11, 2014

http://www.newstalk.ie/Minister-indicates-inquiry-into-homes-might-not-cover-laundries

Women from the Magdalene laundries on parade

The Children's Minister says he doesn't want the mother and baby home inquiry to take 'years to report'.

Charlie Flanagan was responding to repeated calls for the Magdalene Laundries to be included in the investigation announced by the government yesterday.

At least one institution outside the control of the Catholic church will be included in the team's work.

Minister Flanagan told Newstalk's Pat Kenny show (being presented by David McWilliams this week) the government's still working to define the terms of reference:

The Minister added that it was too early to talk about issue of compensation, instead pleading for the focus of the inquiry to be on uncovering the truth.

Minister Flanagan said the time has come for us to deal with a difficult and dark period of our history. 

A full commission of inquiry is being set up, and will have the power to compel documents and witnesses. But Charlie Flanagan said he would prefer not to compel witnesses.

Earlier, Sinn Féin's Deputy Leader used Newstalk's Breakfast show to back calls for the inquiry to include the laundries.

It will include at least one institution outside Catholic control.

Mary Lou McDonald says concerns expressed about a report on the issue carried out by Martin McAleese could be addressed in the new investigation:

Speaking during the same show, the Social Protection Minister says the Mother and Baby home controversy is of very significant personal concern to her, as someone who was adopted.

Joan Burton says it resonates with her on a number of levels: