402 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to a letter from Justice for Magdalenes, dated 29 March 2010 (details supplied); if she will commit to raising the issues detailed in this letter at Cabinet level and work to encourage a formal Government response to the organisation’s calls for an official apology and the establishment of a distinct redress scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16797/10]

A response has issued to the letter referred to by the Deputy and officials of my Department had already met with representatives of the Justice for Magdalenes Group. The position in relation to my Department has been explained both in correspondence with the Group and at the meeting between my officials and representatives of the Group.