The Government has approved a package of additional measures for survivors, including improved access to healthcare, education and housing supports. The Government has agreed to issue a formal State apology to survivor advocates of abuse in Ireland’s industrial and reformatory schools, following decades of campaigning and a 51-day hunger strike that ended last November. The apology is intended to build on the 1999 State apology for institutional abuse and reflect elements of the 2021 apology to survivors of mother-and-baby homes, while also addressing issues related to criminal records arising from time spent in institutions. The move follows mediation talks with survivor advocates who had protested outside Leinster House over the lack of adequate State support. Survivor advocates have welcomed the commitment to a formal apology but continue to call for parity with supports provided to survivors advocates of Magdalene Laundries and mother-and-baby homes.