The State apology given by the Taoiseach today to those who suffered abuse in industrial and reformatory schools, while welcome, will be meaningless if the government fails to honour its commitment to provide additional supports for survivors, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins.
Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said:
“It is shameful that it took a 51-day hunger strike by four survivors of industrial and reformatory schools to extract today’s formal apology from the government. This is the very least that survivors of systematic institutional abuse deserve.
“This is just the latest in a succession of State apologies for the grievous historic wrongs perpetrated on some of the most vulnerable members of society, including those who experienced horrific abuse in religious institutions, the Magdalene Laundries and mother and baby homes.
“It is only right that those who spent time in industrial and reformatory schools should receive a similar apology. However, it is completely unacceptable that these four individuals – who had already suffered so much at the hands of the State – should have to take such drastic action to highlight their campaign. Serious questions remain as to why they were pushed to the point of near-death before a resolution could be reached with the government.
“While the government eventually agreed to meet survivors’ reasonable demands for health, housing and financial supports, most of these commitments have yet to be honoured.
“Today’s State apology, while welcome, is just one element of what was promised to those on hunger strike. The Taoiseach’s words, however well-intentioned and sincere, will be meaningless unless all outstanding issues are addressed without further delay.”
February 25, 2026