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Pat was joined in studio by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin
The report investigating State involvement with Magdalene Laundries between 1922 and 1996 found that more than 10,000 women and girls spent time in these institutions. The workhouses run by religious orders involved endless hours of heavy work. Survivors said talking was not permitted, long hair was cut, there was virtually no free time while working in the “harsh and physically demanding” conditions.
The report states the majority of women, 61% spent less than one year in the in laundries and that 26% of them were (2,200) were referred there by State institutions, such as the criminal justice system and social services.
Patsy McGarry of the Irish Times joined Pat this morning.
Pat was also joined by John Rodgers author of For the Love of My Mother about his mother Bridie who was sent to both Industrial schools and the Magdalene Laundry in Co Galway.
Connect, Professional Telephone Counselling and support: open 5.30pm until 12 midnight Tuesday and from 6-10 pm for the rest of the week: Freephone 1800 477 477 from Republic of Ireland and 00800 477 477 77 from the UK and Northern Ireland. Lines may be busy. Please hold. Someone will be with you. www.connectcounselling.ie
Is the notion that Irishness is synonymous with alcohol just a nasty stereotype or is it a well-observed and uncomfortable truth?
Well this week Des Bishop starts a new four part series which explores the relationship between the Irish and the demon drink.
The first part of ‘Under the Influence’ goes out on Thursday night and Des Bishop joined Pat this morning.
In Steven Spielberg’s new film Lincoln we follow the political manoeuvrings the President engaged in to ensure that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was passed before the end of the Civil War thus enshrining freedom from slavery for all time. Or so we thought. Douglas A Blackmon in his explosive book on slavery sfter the Civil War - Slavery by Another Name, unearths shocking evidence that slavery persisted will into the 20th century and he joined Pat on the line from America.
It’s almost two years since a Force 9 earthquake struck northeast Japan, unleashing a tsunami and nuclear accident that devastated the country.
So how has the country been faring since, and what are the highlights of a visit?
Pól Ó Conghaile is fresh off the plane from a visit to Kyoto and Osaka.
Pat was joined in studio by Daraine Mulvhill one of the hosts of the Channel Four coverage of the London Paralympics, to talk about an exciting new TV show, In Your Shoes, that is currently in the planning phase and is looking to recruit some participants.
John Rodgers, talks about his mother Bridie, who was sent to The Magdalene Laundry in Co. Galway. He is also author of 'For The Love Of My Mother'.
