Four Kerry survivors of industrial and reform schools who are on hunger strike, have met with a stand-in mediator.
The protest, which has been underway outside the Dáil since September 21st, is continuing today into Day 47.
The group had been due to meet with mediator Kieran Mulvey on Wednesday, after an initial meeting on Monday was postponed.
Maurice Patton O’Connell, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Mary Donovan were child inmates of Pembroke Alms Industrial School in Tralee, while Mary Dunlevy Greene attended an industrial school in Limerick.
The group, who are now on Day 47 of their hunger strike, have been sleeping in a tent outside Leinster House, and range in age from 57 to 73.
Their demands include the provision of Health Amendment Act (HAA) Cards that provide enhanced medical cover and a full state contributory pension to survivors of industrial and reform schools.
They were due to meet with mediator Kieran Mulvey on Monday, however, this was postponed until Wednesday.
In response to a query from Radio Kerry, the Taoiseach’s office advised that Mr Mulvey was not in a position to meet with the hunger strikers, due to personal circumstances beyond his control.
Raymod McGee, who is former Labour Court Deputy Chairman, stood in at short notice and met with the group to hear their concerns.
Mr McGee will follow up with Government officials on the issues raised by the hunger strikers.
Taoiseach Mícheal Martin and Education Minister Helen McEntee, have expressed their continuing concerns for the wellbeing of the group as a result of their hunger strike.
Meanwhile, Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill has pleaded with the Taoiseach and Minister to grant their demands and that the groups human rights be upheld by government.
