# Transcript

SPEAKER:

If I can conclude [INAUDIBLE] by again speaking directly to the women whose experiences in the Magdalene laundries have negatively affected their subsequent lives.

As a society, for many years we failed you. We forgot you, or if we thought of you at all, we did so in untrue and offensive stereotypes. This is a national shame for which I say again I’m deeply sorry and offer my full and heartfelt apologies.

At the conclusion of my discussions with one group of the Magdalene women, one of those present sang Whispering Hope. A line from that song stays in my mind. "When the dark midnight is over, watch for the breaking of day."

Let me hope that this day and this debate – excuse me – heralds a new dawn for all those who fear that the dark midnight might never end.