Residential abuse survivors hunger strike
Deputy O’Rourke urges written commitments on medical cards and State contributory pensions for four survivors on hunger strike; the Tánaiste says mediation and medical support are ongoing and hopes for a rapid resolution.
Four survivors of residential abuse remain on hunger strike outside these buildings. Miriam Moriarty Owens, Mary Donovan, Mary Dunlevy Greene and Maurice Patton O'Connell are now on day 47 of their hunger strike. Their health continues to deteriorate. This is a very serious situation. It is dire. They are absolutely determined and, after a meeting yesterday, cautiously hopeful but they have nothing in writing to say the Government will agree to their very reasonable demands for access to a HAA medical card and a State contributory pension. In fact, what they have had from Government so far is the exact opposite. In the first instance, the Government voted against proposals from Sinn Féin and Catherine Connolly to grant all survivors access to these things. In early October, the Minister for education wrote to say there was no change to that position. Does the Tánaiste recognise the urgent need to resolve this matter? Will he bring this hunger strike to an end? Will he do the right thing by these survivors? Will he give them a written commitment to meet their demands today?
Comment on this
I assure Deputy O'Rourke the Government takes this matter extraordinarily seriously. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, initially met the group on 29 September to engage with them personally and listen to their concerns. The Taoiseach met the group on 3 October and both the Minister and the Taoiseach met the group again last Wednesday, 29 October. I understand meetings with a mediator or facilitator have taken place this week. We are very eager to assist and I will seek an update from the facilitator today.
Comment on this
It can be resolved with the stroke of a pen.
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It is a very sensitive matter and I will not play politics with it as the Deputy has endeavoured to do by suggesting-----
Comment on this
It is very straightforward. We-----
Comment on this
It is a very important and sensitive matter. The Government wants to see the matter resolved. That is why it wants to see a facilitator in place. That has happened. There is engagement with the group. There is daily medical attention as well, which is important. I hope this matter can be resolved quickly.