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In a statement, Deputy Jen Cummins, the party’s education spokesperson, expressed concern for four protestors, who are now on their 45th day of protesting. Deputy Cummins said: “I have written to the Taoiseach on behalf of the parliamentary party to express our deep alarm and outrage at the lack of progress by the government in resolving this issue.” The group wants individuals to be awarded a Health Amendment Act (HAA) card and a State contributory pension in response to the abuse they suffered and the consequences of this to their lives. The HAA card is named after a past Health (Amendment) Act and provides access to a wide range of free healthcare services, including GP visits, hospital services, prescribed medicines, among access to many other services. “It is completely unacceptable that a planned meeting with the hunger strikers, which was to be held on Monday, has now been postponed until Wednesday. "Given that these individuals have now gone without food for such a long time, every single day is crucial to their health – there is simply no time to lose,” she said. "These survivors deserve a clear acknowledgment of the State’s failings, a Health Amendment Act (HAA) card and a contributory pension in recognition of what happened to them in their childhood – and the consequences it had for the rest of their lives. “We are now urging the Taoiseach to personally intervene and meet with survivors and their representatives. "The government must ensure there is a compassionate, coordinated response to their asks without further delay,” she added. The protestors met with Catherine Connolly in late September, who accused the Government of a mean-spirited approach. A package of health supports for survivors is to be rolled out shortly, which the previous Government agreed upon in 2023. This will include the provision to survivors of the same medical card as that provided under the Magdalen Laundry and Mother and Baby Institutions schemes, and the provision of a health support payment to survivors who are resident outside the State. Sage Advocacy, a specialist independent advocacy organisation, has also been engaged by the Department to provide advocacy support to survivors wishing to engage with relevant services. The Irish Independent has reached out to the department of the Taoiseach for comment.
