A hunger strike by four Kerry survivors of industrial and reform schools has officially come to an end.
It was called off at nine o’clock last night, after 51 days.
Maurice Patton O’Connell, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Mary Donovan were child inmates of Pembroke Alms Industrial School in Tralee, while Mary Dunlevy Greene was incarcerated at an industrial school in Limerick.
The four had been on a hunger strike protest outside Leinster House since 21st September.
They met with the Taoiseach and Minister Helen McEntee last night.
The hunger strikers have undergone medical checks, and are to return home, before working with a mediator.
Their demands include Health Amendment Act, or HAA, cards that provide enhanced medical cover, and a full state contributory pension to survivors of industrial and reform schools.
There were growing concerns for their health as the hunger strike continued.
Minister McEntee had previously stated that there were no plans to grant the survivors the pension or the HAA card.
A government-appointed mediator met with them last week.
Minister of State Michael Healy Rae has welcomed the end of the hunger strike, saying the hunger strikers have been steadfast in their campaign and last night their hunger strike ended with an agreement in writing.
Kerry deputy, Michael Cahill has expressed relief that a solution has been found to end the hunger strike protest; adding he prays that none of them will suffer lasting effects from their ordeal as he was concerned that the situation could have resulted in the loss of life.
Deputy Danny Healy Rae also welcomed the news, saying he was glad an agreement had been reached.
Minister Norma Foley commended the strikers' determination and courage, and welcomed, what she called, the Taoiseach's personal commitment.
