I can advise the Deputy that the inter-departmental committee is charged with establishing the facts of the State's involvement, clarifying any State interaction with the Magdalen Laundries, and with producing a narrative detailing such interaction.
As the working arrangements of the committee are a matter for its chairperson, Senator Martin McAleese, and he is independent in this matter, I am not in a position to report on what progress is being made. I am aware however that they have held meetings with the religious congregations, representative groups of the women who resided there, and other interested parties. I understand that an interim report will be provided before the end of October.