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The Government has issued a formal apology to survivors of institutional abuse, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin telling the Dáil what they went through was "harrowing".
The apology comes following a protest by four survivors of abuse in industrial and reformatory schools that lasted for over 50 days outside Leinster House last year.
Maurice Patton O'Connell, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Mary Donovan while Mary Dunlevy Greene and their supporters were in the visitors gallery in the Dáil for the apology.
Mr Martin unequivocally apologised to survivors and reiterated on behalf of the Government, the State, and all the citizens of the State the profound sorrow for the terrible pain and abuse suffered.
"What you endured on a daily basis as innocent children was harrowing, heart breaking and wrong," he said.
Those who were boarded out from institutions also received a formal apology from the Taoiseach.
Mr Martin noted that when he met the survivors who had been protesting last year, they made him aware of the abuse suffered by some who were boarded out from industrial and reformatory schools.
He apologised on behalf of the State for the abuse and neglect that they suffered.
"What happened to you was wrong, shocking and should never have happened," he said.
"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," Mr Martin said.
He said the Government recognised the suffering and damage that the abuse had caused, adding that the Government would continue to support those survivors as much as possible.
"I fully recognise that for those who suffered institutional abuse the traumatic impact has been enduring.
"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," Mr Martin said.
"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," he added.
The Taoiseach expressed hope that a new phase of supports to survivors of abuse in industrial schools, reformatories and related institutions, in areas including health, advocacy and education would help the ongoing process of healing.
As he concluded Mr Martin again thanked the survivors for being in the Dáil today.
"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," Mr Martin added.
Tánaiste Simon Harris told the Dáil that when the silence surrounding survivors' experience is broken, this is "a moment of light shining in the darkness".
"It is right that we should hear these harsh truths in this house and it is right that we should apologise for them.
"In truth we can never apologise enough for what has happened," Mr Harris said.
"We unequivocally apologise on behalf of the Government, the State and all the citizens of this State for all that you have endured," he added.
Last month, the Government agreed a package of additional supports for survivors of abuse at institutional schools, including health, education, housing and funeral cost supports.
Special Advocate for Survivors Patricia Carey welcomed the move.
She said the urgent need for supports relating to health and housing had consistently been raised with her office since its establishment two years ago.
Irish Thalidomide Association to seek State apology
Meanwhile members of the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) are due to meet the Taoiseach and Tánaiste later this evening seeking a State apology and outstanding issues to be resolved.
It follows a meeting last October at which the Government outlined a series of measures including the provision of medical cards.
The drug Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant mothers in the 1950s and 1960s as an anti-morning sickness drug, but was later pulled because of links to birth defects and lifelong disabilities.
Earlier this month, Mr Harris told RTÉ News that 2026 had to be the year when the Government finally addresses outstanding issues facing members of the ITA, which includes the issuing of a State apology.
There are 40 thalidomide survivors still alive in Ireland and a handful of mothers who are now in their 90s.
The German manufacturer apologised in 2012 to those born without limbs as a result of the use of Thalidomide.