Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
8. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason her Department has refused to grant the health card requested by survivors of institutional abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17734/26]
View answerFirstly, I want to acknowledge the pain, suffering and traumatic impacts experienced by those who suffered institutional abuse. Last week the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste unequivocally apologised, on behalf of the Government, the State, and all the citizens of the State to those who have suffered in this shameful way. This was an important moment. It builds further on the responses of the State over the last number of years to acknowledge the wrongs that were done and to respond to the needs of those who have suffered. We must continue act.
Last July, the Oireachtas passed the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025, which will enable the delivery of ongoing health and education supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions. With regard to health supports, eligible survivors will be provided with a medical card, which will enable them to obtain certain health supports and services through the HSE. This entitlement will be for life and will not be subject to means testing or review.
The Government has also recently 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.
My Department is now working closely with the HSE to develop and put in place the necessary capacity to ensure that these supports will be in place as soon as possible.
