Kerry and Cork survivors to gather in Tralee for industrial school information event

"A special information event for survivors of industrial and reformatory schools from Kerry and Cork will take place at The Brandon Hotel on May 27 (2pm), offering attendees the chance to access important updates and advice."

"One of the commitments secured before the hunger strike ended was a government pledge to appoint a dedicated HSE liaison officer to assist survivors with healthcare needs and provide quicker access to consultants. Additional measures offered included an €8,000 funeral grant, a second State apology and access to a full contributory State pension."

"“The meeting is to give survivors an understanding of what supports and entitlements are available to them,” Maurice Patton-O'Connell told The Kerryman. He said Taoiseach Micheál Martin had honoured his commitment, but claimed progress had stalled at departmental level."

"“We're still waiting and continuing to fight for the services. In Kerry and Cork we have liaison officers in place, but no other counties have them yet. Progress simply hasn't gone far enough,” he said. “It's the same situation with the HSE - we still don't have a liaison officer in place there. The only thing that seems to be happening is the annual payment. Everything else has stalled.”"

A special information event for survivors of industrial and reformatory schools from Kerry and Cork will be held at The Brandon Hotel on May 27 at 2pm. Attendees will receive updates and advice on available supports and entitlements. The event is organised by Mary O'Donovan, Miriam Moriarty Owens, Maurice Patton-O'Connell, and Mary Dunleavy Greene, who were involved in a 51-day hunger strike in 2025. Representatives from Sage Advocacy will attend. The hunger strike sought greater support and recognition for survivors who experienced incarceration and forced labour in State care. Commitments include a dedicated HSE liaison officer, an €8,000 funeral grant, a second State apology, and access to a full contributory State pension. Campaigners say implementation has not fully occurred seven months after the deal.

Read at Irish Independent