Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
582. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to commitments made on 10 November 2025 to survivors of the industrial and reformatory school system, the current status of the delivery of the agreed services and supports; the Departments and agencies responsible for implementation; the actions taken to date; the timeline for full delivery. [12026/26]
View answerIn November, a group of industrial and reformatory school survivors agreed to end their protest outside Leinster House after a period of significant engagement and a further meeting with the Taoiseach and the then Minister for Education and Youth.
A mediator was appointed, and a number of commitments were made by the Taoiseach to address their concerns. The mediation process recently concluded, and Government has approved the implementation of a number of commitments. These will build upon supports already provided for under the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025.
Under the Act, eligible survivors will be provided with a medical card which will entitle them to certain health supports and services through the HSE. This entitlement will be for life and will not be subject to means-testing or review.
Government has agreed to strengthen this package of health supports through the appointment of specified liaison officers within the HSE and through improved access to counselling and physiotherapy services.
Government has also approved the expansion of the education support payments scheme under the Act to include provide support for informal learning and self-development, as well as formal learning.
My Department is finalising arrangements for the delivery of these supports as soon as possible.
In addition, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has written to each Local Authority requesting they use their powers to prioritise social housing support on compassionate grounds to survivors of industrial and reformatory schools. In order to assist survivors, each local authority has been asked to identify a dedicated housing liaison officer who will act as a contact point for information and guidance on how to access appropriate support to meet their housing need.
The Department of Social Protection has also instructed Community Welfare Services to give specific consideration and recognition to survivors of residential institutions for funeral costs.
In addition, the Taoiseach has agreed to make a formal apology in Dáil Éireann on behalf of the Government and is continuing to consult with the Attorney General in this regard.
The apology will build on the 1999 apology to victims of institutional abuse, take into consideration parts of the 2021 apology to survivors of mother and baby homes, and will address issues relating to criminal records. I understand that the date for the apology will be scheduled shortly.
