The Taoiseach has again declined to offer a full and sincere apology to the survivors of the Magdalene Laundries, appealing for "space" to formulate the response of government.

Opposition parties have rounded on Enda Kenny in the Dáil this morning after groups representing the women expressed their outrage that he had not given them the apology they expected.

But the Taoiseach says the report needs to be examined, reflected on and debated in the Dáil in two weeks time.

And in a signal that he may make an apology then, he appealed for space to decide what to do.

And after Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary-Lou McDonald accused him of being cruel by not apologising the Taoiseach hit back.

'I believe there should be an apology'

However the Minister of State Kathleen Lynch says she believes the Taoiseach should apologise to the Magdalene survivors for the State's role in committing these women to laundries.

Minister Lynch said it is her personal opinion that there should be an apology.

The Minister says the stigma that has been attached to these women and the blight it's been on their lives has to be acknowledged.