Q&A on Apology to and Supports for Survivors of Institutional Abuse

What is the apology to Survivors of Institutional Abuse about?

The Taoiseach issued an apology in Dáil Éireann on 25 February 2026, on behalf of the Government, to survivors of institutional abuse including survivors who experienced abuse when boarded out.

The apology follows commitments given on 10th November last year, when the Taoiseach and Minister for Education met with four survivors who had gone on hunger strike to highlight what happened to them as children.

Following consultation with the Attorney General, the apology builds on the 1999 apology to victims of institutional abuse. It also takes into consideration parts of the 2021 apology to survivors of mother and baby homes which relate to the issue of those boarded out.

The apology also clarifies that nobody has a criminal record just by virtue of having been placed in an industrial school, or in a reformatory school by virtue of a transfer from an industrial school.

What is the clarification on criminal records?

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has confirmed that the State did not and does not regard individuals as having committed a criminal offence, and that no criminal record is recorded against them, by virtue of their detention in any Industrial School. With regard to children who were detained in Industrial Schools and who were subsequently transferred to a Reformatory School solely by virtue of their detention in the Industrial School, they are likewise not considered to have had any criminal record. No person and, in particular, no agency of the State should regard these individuals as having committed a criminal offence or having a criminal record.

How can I get an individual certificate of confirmation?

If required, certificates confirming the position on criminal records for individual survivors can be considered on a case-by-case basis following receipt of records, including posthumously. The process for this will be put in place by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration as soon as possible.

In the first instance, survivors of industrial and reformatory schools who wish to obtain their records for the purposes of seeking such a certificate should send an email to survivorsupports@education.gov.ie

What wider package of supports has been agreed for survivors?

In addition to the apology, a package of additional supports was agreed for survivors of institutional abuse following a successful mediation process.

These build upon supports already provided for under the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 and will include supports for health; education; housing and funeral costs.

What is the position on Education supports for survivors?

With regard to the issue of a pension, Government has instead approved the expansion of the education supports scheme to provide payments of €600 to support informal learning, self-development and wellbeing activities. Eligible survivors will be able to apply for one such payment per year.

Applicants will just have to provide enough information to confirm that they are eligible. They will not have to discuss or describe their experiences in residential institutions to confirm their eligibility.

The scheme will be administered by the Department of Education and Youth, and relevant information on the scheme and how to apply will be published on the Department’s website. The Department will also engage with relevant groups and services to ensure that as many survivors as possible are made aware of the scheme, as well as the other supports.

The Department is working to make these supports available by the end of Q1 this year. In the meantime, survivors can send an email to survivorsupports@education.gov.ie to be added to a mailing list and be informed when the application process is opened.

What are the additional health supports for survivors of industrial schools?

Government has agreed to strengthen the package of health supports through the appointment of specified liaison officers within the HSE and through improved access to counselling and physiotherapy services. This is not a HAA card but is instead a package of supports specifically for survivors.

Many of the services provided under the HAA card are already available under the ‘enhanced medical card’ for survivors of residential institutional abuse - such as GP services, approved prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances, public in-patient and out-patient services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services, physiotherapy, chiropody, home nursing, home support and counselling.

The Government has also committed to provide access to the Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP) for this group of survivors where a specific need for specialist gerontological care is clearly identified by their GP. The Health Liaison Officers can provide assistance in accessing clinical details/services if required.

The National Counselling Service (NCS) is available to any individual who has experienced childhood abuse or neglect. More information on accessing the NCS is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/ncs/about/

When will the additional health services be in place?

The Department of Health is working with the HSE as a matter of priority to commence operationalisation of the supports, particularly the health liaison officers, as early as possible. In the meantime, any queries can be directed to survivorsupports@education.gov.ie

What is the position on Funeral Costs?

The Community Welfare Services will give specific consideration and recognition to survivors of residential institutions for funeral costs.

What is the position on Housing Supports?

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has written to each Local Authority requesting they use their powers to prioritise social housing support on compassionate grounds to survivors of industrial and reformatory schools. In order to assist survivors, each local authority has identified a dedicated housing liaison officer who will act as a contact point for information and guidance on how to access appropriate support to meet their housing need.