Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)

The last time I raised the case of the industrial and reformatory school survivors, who are outside the Dáil on hunger strike, was three weeks ago and at that stage they had been on hunger strike for 22 days. It has now been 47 days and they are still on hunger strike. They are in very grave territory in terms of their health. Their ask is very simple: access to a full Health (Amendment) Act medical card and a full State contributory pension. I understand there was a meeting with a mediator recently but they are saying they have nothing in writing in terms of those very clear asks. I listened to the Tánaiste's response earlier. I appreciate that the Tánaiste accepts this is a very grave situation.

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