The Department of Education information calculates that the number of children in Industrial Schools and Reformatories from 1930–1970 now stands at approximately 42,000—less than one-fourth of the original figure.

“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable,” stated Alison Lowry at the launch of her exhibition, which has been described as a powerful artistic response to the Magdalene Laundries.

“I cannot fail to acknowledge the grave scandal caused in Ireland by the abuse of young people by members of the Church charged with responsibility for their protection and education.” - Pope Francis

“I do not believe that a child can be reformed by lock and key and bars, or that fear can ever develop a child’s character.”

According to Finola Kennedy, the Legion of Mary founder sought to help unmarried mothers, not stigmatise them, and he was opposed to separating mothers from their children.

The Christian Brothers will make total contributions to redress, welfare and education of over €600m.

Archbishop Diarmiud Martin pays tribute to Fr Derek Farrell as “a true friend of the Travelling People” who did not seek any great publicity for himself but placed his talents fully at the service of the Travellers and their place in society.

Mary Rafferty was mistaken in saying Fr Edward Flanagan had ‘blown the whistle’ on Irish industrial schools.