Industrial school survivors call off hunger strike after 51 days

Survivors of abuse at Ireland’s industrial schools have called off their hunger strike outside the Dáil after 51 days.

The hunger strike came to an end on November 11th, after government officials met with the strikers last week.

Speaking to Northside and Southside People in October, survivors Mary Donovan and Miriam Owens said the government broke their promises to survivors of abuse at industrial schools.

Per them, any survivor of abuse at an industrial school is entitled to an HAA Card, a medical card which is provided to people who fall under the Health Amendment Act.

Per the survivors, they were left with no other choice, saying they felt “let down” after years of broken government promises on the issue.

Donovan said she was “tired of false promises,” and that a hunger strike was the best way of getting their attention

Originally created as a response to the contaminated blood scandal of the 1990s, the scheme, in theory, entitles survivors to avail of a state contributory pension and a health card, and the survivors of industrial schools believe they are entitled to the card.

In 1999, then-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern issued an official state apology to the survivors of the schools, saying, “on behalf of the state and all the citizens of the state, the government wishes to make a sincere and long overdue apology to the victims of childhood abuse for our collective failure to intervene, to detect their pain and to come to their rescue.”

The survivors are now going to be offered financial assistance, given priority access to social housing, and expanded healthcare supports which are provided by the government.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said, “I have spoken to the Taoiseach this morning on what has been agreed and the importance of full delivery. The protestors have demonstrated remarkable courage and strength and hopefully they can now return to their lives knowing that they have succeeded.”‘

Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins said, “the state must never put abuse survivors through such an ordeal again.”

“I am deeply relieved to hear that the survivors of abuse in industrial and reformatory schools have ended their hunger strike following the government’s announcement of a support package. “While today’s news brings some comfort, serious questions must now be asked about why it took 51 days of protest outside the Houses of the Oireachtas for survivors to be heard,” the Dublin South Central TD said.

“The measures announced, including financial assistance, improved healthcare supports and access to housing, are welcome and necessary – however, the government must ensure that these commitments are implemented swiftly and in full partnership with survivors.”