I stand today to add my support to the State apology to the victims of horrendous abuse in industrial and reformatory schools. There are not enough words to outline the abuse and absolute horror suffered by these survivors and all victims of abuse. Many of those have lived and suffered in silence. They suffered the stigma for decades and have struggled with pain and anguish. These were children placed in these industrial schools. We know they suffered the most horrendous mistreatment but they had courage and conviction – especially those who undertook a lengthy hunger strike outside these gates – to ensure their most awful experiences were finally heard. They shared their lived experience and still share their living experience. I hope today is one of the better days of their living experience. I want to mention Mary Donovan, Mary Dunlevy Greene, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Maurice Patton O'Connell. I met Maurice a few years ago. He is the parent of Jason, who is upstairs looking down. I met Maurice when his son was overprescribed medication in south Kerry child and adolescent mental health services. Maurice has outlined Jason’s lost years as a result of the overprescribing, and during really difficult times for himself, Maurice put his family first to advocate for them. I will always remember his powerful advocacy in relation to children who were harmed in Kerry. I hope the Government’s response to what happened in Kerry will deliver for Jason and others and they can go on and have better years. I can only imagine the horror that Maurice is enduring in having to fight the State on two fronts . As Minister of State, I am committed to doing whatever I can to right the wrongs of mental health services in Kerry. The Government is determined to recognise the trauma of what Maurice, the two Marys and Miriam all endured with the apology and the package of supports for survivors. We are committed to a strengthened suite of supports, extending access to tailored health services, counselling, physiotherapy, education payments and compassionate assistance in housing and funeral costs. We are totally committed. I hope these measures can meet the very real needs raised by survivors and reflect the State’s responsibility to respond meaningfully. The State has also affirmed that no survivor should ever be regarded as having a criminal record simply because they were placed in an industrial school, and the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, has clarified this and will issue formal certificates to confirm it. As these commitments are implemented, this moment must represent more than an apology. It must be a turning point, one grounded in dignity, justice and a continuing duty to ensure survivors receive the compassion and support they deserve. What happened to them was wrong and I hope today brings some small comfort to them all.

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