Victor Boyhan (Independent)

I join the Cathaoirleach in condolences to James Doolan, a professor and Senator, and remarkable man. I lived close by him in Monkstown because he lived there for many years. He was always a thorough gentleman. He brought great wisdom. He was one of a handful of really great, distinguished Senators in this House. He had varied and wide contributions to make. He was an experienced and well-travelled operator anyway. It was great to see that. I am always conscious when people come into this House, be they nominated or elected, that we need diversity of background, tradition and age. The age has crept down for some and not for others. Other opportunities and encouraging people to come into these Houses, legitimately as Taoiseach's nominees or through the election, is something that we need to bear in mind. There is a time for us all to move on and to make way for other people. I was thinking that as the Cathaoirleach was talking about him.

I raise the issue of the continuing hunger strikes of people who were in institutional care. We have had many debates about this in these Houses. There has been much talk of support. What are these people asking? When I spoke to a number of people involved in this campaign, they said they have nothing to lose. That is a profound statement for people to have to make. They are committed to their struggle and to highlighting the issue. They are seeking an enhanced medical card. Bearing in mind the age of these people and the people they represent, it is not too much to ask. I ask people who have the opportunities to meet their parliamentary parties this week to highlight it again. I know they are committed on all sides. It is not a criticism of anyone in here or in the Dáil, but let us highlight it, because this is not going to go away. It is a simple, human ask to acknowledge the hurt, disappointment and setbacks that these people have had, and the role the State played in that. Their physical and mental health is really important. I ask that we highlight it wherever we can in the next days, in the corridors of power and these Houses. The other thing is the enhanced medical card. It is not too much.

The issue of a pension is more difficult and more protracted. We have to accept that many people incarcerated in these institutions were used as slave labour. We have to find a way, whether an enhanced payment, a pension, a recognition payment or call it what you like, but they must somehow be given recompense and some contribution for their labours within our institutions.