Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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275. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to urgently put in place supports for industrial and reformatory school survivors (details supplied) preventing the commencement of the planned hunger strike. [51083/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am very conscious of the enormous trauma which has been endured by all survivors of abuse.

Officials from my Department recently met with the group to listen to their concerns and I am aware of the issues raised.

I also spoke with members of the Group who were present during the recent passage of legislation which enables the provision of ongoing health and education supports for survivors of abuse in residential institutions.

It is regrettable that they have chosen to take this action and I would urge them to safeguard their health and wellbeing.

The response of the State to this issue to date has been significant, and has included the establishment of a redress scheme, the provision of funding supports through Caranua and other initiatives.

The provision of new and ongoing health and education supports, which will be rolled out by my Department very shortly, marks a new phase in the State’s response. My Department has also engaged Sage Advocacy, a specialist independent advocacy organisation, to provide advocacy supports to survivors wishing to engage with relevant services.