Education Minister must engage with survivors of industrial schools
Education Minister must engage with survivors of industrial schools - The Labour Party
Labour Senator Laura Harmon has written to Minister Helen McEntee urging her to meet with Industrial School Survivors who commenced hunger strike last Sunday, 21st September outside Leinster House.
Senator Harmon said:
“I have written to Minister Helen McEntee imploring her to meet with the survivors of Industrial Schools who are undertaking a hunger strike outside Leinster House. Last night was their 5th night sleeping outside the Dáil and I have serious concerns for their health and wellbeing.
“It’s unacceptable that these campaigners feel that they must resort to this level of striking just to get a meeting with the Minister. Their asks are simple: they are seeking an engagement with the Minister to address the issues that they have long-raised and to have access to supports from the State to ensure their long-term well-being is protected.
“Closing a dark chapter in Irish life is no use unless we turn over a new leaf, and treat these survivors fairly and with humanity.
“The Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse has raised a series of supports that survivors wish to have addressed by the Department. I implore the Minister to intervene, meet with the survivors and work to provide full and fair justice for those who faced institutional abuse in this country.”