Limerick industrial school survivor and others gets official apology from the Taoiseach

TODAY the Taoiseach has issued an official apology to the survivors of institutional abuse, including a Limerick woman who went on hunger strike for 51 days at the end of 2025. 

Last November, Taoiseach Mícheál Martin committed to an official Government apology, as well as supports for health, education, housing and funeral costs. 

READ ALSO: 'This is our history' - Limerick hunger strike says after not eating and sleeping rough for 51 days

It also clarifies that all criminal records which children in institutional schools received when they went into State care will now be expunged. 

Mary Dunlevy Greene, a Kilteely native, now living in Carlow, spent her childhood in the Limerick industrial school on O’Connell Street known as ‘The Mount.’ 

Speaking about what she went through, the 73-year-old said: “We got no love - no care - nothing. We were told that nobody loved us, that nobody cared about us and that we would amount to nothing.”

She spoke about the public crossing the street when they were seen outside, so as not to be seen near ‘the orphans’ - but Mrs Dunlevy Greene was adamant in saying: “I was no orphan. I was kidnapped from my home with no personal items and I never saw my reflection in a mirror until I left.

“I didn’t even have my own underwear, we changed it once a week and picked something that fit from a pile, nothing was marked or belonged to anyone.” 

Last year, Ms Greene, along with Mary Donovan, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Maurice Patton O’Connell, all went on hunger strike outside Leinster House for 51 days. 

For two and a half months, they survived only on water with electrolytes, tea and coffee, while sleeping outside in the testing elements.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Taoiseach said: “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.”

The Taoiseach said: “As a country and as a government, we recognised that too many of our children were denied the love, care and security that should have been theirs. Abuse ruined their childhoods and was, and remains, an ever-present part of their adult lives, reminding them of a time when they were without support or protection.

“We recognised the gravity of this wrong and undertook to do all we could to overcome the lasting effects of their ordeals,” he said, referring to previous apologies in 1999 and again in 2021 to survivors of abuse.  

He told the Dáil that the country has changed how abuse is dealt with. 

“We now have a comprehensive approach to deal with the traumatic impact of previous abuse, to protect children and to strengthen structures and accountability for child protection in this country.”

He added that he recognises that the abuse suffered in the industrial schools has had an “enduring” traumatic impact. 

“The deep personal toll that it has taken on the lives of survivors was brought home to me again in my recent engagements with the group who are here today.

“I was moved to hear each of your personal stories and I am deeply sorry for the harm that you suffered as a consequence of the abuse you experienced in state institutions,” Taoiseach Mícheál Martin said. 

The Taoiseach added: “I am very sorry for what was done to you. I apologise on behalf of the State for the abuse and neglect that you suffered. What happened to you was wrong, shocking and should never have happened.

“The government recognises the suffering and damage that this abuse has caused, and we will continue to support you as much as possible.”

He concluded by thanking the four survivors - Mary Dunlevy Greene, Mary Donovan, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Maurice Patton O’Connell, for attending the Dáil.  

“Your presence is testament to your tireless commitment to shining a light into the dark corners of both our past and present.

“I want to unequivocally apologise to you and reiterate on behalf of the Government, the State, and all the citizens of the State, the profound sorrow for the terrible pain and abuse suffered by you.

“What you endured on a daily basis as innocent children was harrowing, heart breaking and wrong.”