Colm FitzpatrickDear editor, I am writing in response to the article by Cathal Barry titled ‘Govt wants Pope to make Magdalen nuns pay out’ (IC 3/7/14). I agree with Lucinda Creighton that this would be a positive step. It is not enough to make apologies. Those who have been affected by the Magdalen laundries should be entitled to compensation. This has gone on long enough so compensation needs to come sooner rather than later.
Many victims of the laundries felt that they had been tortured and have been left traumatised by the treatment they received. There is no doubt that there was “significant State involvement” in the laundries as stated in this article; however, has enough been done in order to rectify the State’s involvement in horrific crimes against human dignity?
We are taught to seek forgiveness for our sins and so too should those involved. There is a spiritual price to pay but victims should also be offered financial compensation and support as their recovery may require counselling to overcome the lasting psychological trauma.
As a Catholic I can only pray for the victims’ sake that Mr Cooney’s meeting with the Vatican Officials proves successful. The four orders involved should be ordered to co-operate with the State and to work together in the best interests of those who were neglected and abused. The Pope has already displayed his compassion for victims of abuse but it is the duty of the Irish Church and State to continue to seek justice.
Yours etc.,
Helen Brady,
Tralee,
Co. Kerry.