Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I will speak to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in respect of the matters the Deputy has raised. It is unfair to say that the State does not face up to its financial responsibilities arising from terrible events that happened in the past. It clearly has done. I identified the Magdalen laundries scheme and other redress schemes that have been introduced. People have been provided for. I am conscious that the specific ask here relates to the pension and the HAA card. There are obviously consequences to decisions such as this. It will have an impact on other areas. I suspect the Deputy would join me in urging the individuals who are on hunger strike to come off it and to recognise that they can have engagement with the Government without the necessity of exposing their health to such danger. It is a very damaging experience for them. I urge them to end their strike. I will speak to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in respect of the matter.

See this speech in context