Orders say they acted in 'good faith' and regret 'distress' felt by women

THE religious orders which ran the Magdalene Laundries have expressed regret that some women did not find them to be places of refuge.

The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of Refuge, which controlled two laundries in Dublin, said an important value of the report was to give a voice to the women and for their experiences, feelings and stories to be placed on record.

"Regardless of why a woman was in a refuge or how she came to be there, we endeavoured to provide care," a statement said.

"It is with deep regret that we acknowledge that there are women who did not experience our refuge as a place of protection and care. It is with sorrow and sadness that we recognise that for many . . . their time in a refuge is associated with anxiety, distress, loneliness, isolation, pain and confusion."

The Religious Sisters of Charity, which ran laundries in Dublin and Cork, apologised to women who "experienced hurt while in our care", while the Good Shepherd Sisters, who controlled laundries in Waterford, Wexford, Limerick and Cork, said they acted in "good faith" at all times.

"We acted in good faith providing a refuge and we sincerely regret that women could have experienced hurt and hardship during their time with us."