The Justice Minister is briefing the Cabinet today on the refusal of the religious orders that ran the Magdalene laundries to contribute to a compensation scheme.
The Mercy Sisters, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, the Sisters of Charity and the Good Shepherd Sisters have informed Alan Shatter they will not pay into the fund.
Its estimated that a Government redress scheme for the former residents of the Magdalene laundries could cost up to €58 million.
One support group, Magdalene Survivors Together, says the affected women are flabbergast and beyond disappointed at the decision of the congregations.
Our News Correspondent Fergal O'Brien reports:
