Residential Institutions
Seanad Éireann — 2025-10-14
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Jerry Buttimer (FG), Cork South-Central

It is a very sensitive and difficult matter, as I outlined in my reply at the beginning. In June 2023, the Government approved a provision of a package of ongoing supports to survivors in the areas of health, education and advocacy, which built upon the already significant State response to the issue. It is considered that the package is a balanced and proportional approach which addresses a number of key issues raised by survivors. It is also broadly consistent with the approach taken in respect of other groups, in particular survivors and former residents of the Magdalen laundries and the mother and baby institutions. However, it is acknowledged that the package of supports does not go as far as some survivors would like.
With regard to health supports, as I have already said, the package of supports and services to be provided to survivors is the exact same as was previously provided under the Magdalen laundry and mother and baby institutions schemes. While there have been calls for the provision of a Health (Amendment) Act, HAA, card, it is important to note that this was introduced specifically to meet the significant health needs of a particular group of individuals who contracted a serious and life-threatening condition, that is, people who contracted hepatitis C through the administration within the State of contaminated blood and blood products.
I will bring back all the concerns the Senator raised. With regard to the ongoing protest, it is important that the group reconsiders its current actions in the interest of people’s health and well-being. I ask it to do so and continue to engage regarding the issues it has raised. As I have outlined, there has been engagement and I hope that continues. I will bring back the Senator’s concerns.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-10-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:13+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-10-14