Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2026
323. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to urgently address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54223/26]
View answerI would like to echo, and confirm my support for, the apology made by the Taoiseach earlier this year on behalf of the Government. I share my colleagues’ deep sense of regret for the pain and suffering experienced by those who experienced detention in Industrial Schools.
I would also like to reiterate that the State did not and does not regard individuals as having committed a criminal offence, and no criminal record is recorded against them, by virtue of their detention in any Industrial School. No person and, in particular, no agency of the State should regard these individuals as having committed a criminal offence or having a criminal record.
The issue raised by the Deputy has been brought to the attention of the appropriate officials within my Department and we will contact the Department of Education and Youth to progress this further.
Details on how an Individual may request a certificate confirming that relevant persons do not have a criminal record can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/qa-on-apology-to-and-supports-for-survivors-of-institutional-abuse/
