Today, a protest is being held at the proposed memorial site for survivors of institutional abuse at the former Magdelene Laundry in Dublin. The memorial site is meant to honor those who suffered in industrial schools, Magdalen Laundries, and other institutions, but survivors feel it does not truly represent their experiences.
Despite a State apology 25 years ago, survivors feel the Government has not adequately listened to their needs. The bill going through the Oireachtas to support survivors has been criticized for not addressing key recommendations, such as providing a full State contributory pension to those living in poverty.
CSUL, representing a variety of abuse survivors, is pushing for redress in line with survivors’ wishes, including plaques at institutions with apologies and the names of those who died. They also oppose the costly memorial project, instead calling for meaningful support for survivors and acknowledgment of intergenerational trauma.
The protest highlights ongoing struggles facing survivors and reinforces the call for the Government to better support those who suffered in Ireland’s institutions.
