Government issues apology to survivors of institutional abuse
- Foilsithe: 25 Feabhra 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 25 Feabhra 2026
The Taoiseach today issued an apology in Dáil Éireann, on behalf of the Government, to survivors of institutional abuse.
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 today 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.
At the request of the survivors, 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.
Speaking in the Dáil today, the Taoiseach said:
"In May 1999, on behalf of the State and of all the citizens of the State, the Government made a sincere apology to the victims of childhood abuse for the collective failure to intervene, to detect their pain, to come to their rescue.
"Since then, we have put in place a comprehensive approach to deal with the effects of previous abuse, to protect children and to strengthen structures and accountability for child protection in this country.
"But I fully recognise that for those who suffered institutional abuse the effects have been enduring. I was moved by the personal stories of those survivors that I met, who are here in Dáil Éireann today, and I am deeply sorry for the harm suffered as a consequence of the abuse experienced in state institutions.
"I am also aware that some of these survivors suffered abuse when boarded out from industrial and reformatory schools. In 2021, as part of the Government apology to survivors of mother and baby homes, I also acknowledged that some children who were subsequently boarded-out experienced heartbreaking exploitation, neglect and abuse within the families and communities in which they were placed. As I said at that time, and wish to reiterate today, regardless of the pathway from which individuals were boarded out, this was unforgiveable.
"I also welcomed the opportunity today to clarify the position regarding criminal records for individuals who were in industrial and reformatory schools and a separate statement on that matter will be issued today by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.”
Notes for Editor
- In November, a group of survivors agreed to end their protest outside Leinster House after meeting with the Taoiseach and the then Minister for Education and Youth.
- A mediator was appointed, and a number of commitments were made by the Taoiseach to address their concerns, including the commitment to an apology.
- 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.
Q&A on Apology to and Supports for Survivors of Institutional Abuse