Personal Stories/Opinions
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As Survivors of the most poignant era of childhood abuse in the history of Ireland, you and I have watched as the Government Ministers of the Day have rejected any efforts we have tried to have input included within the framework of the Amendment to the Statute of limitations Act, The Institutional Childhood Abuse Bill 2000 and finally the Residential Institutions Redress Bill.
"We took no action"
In discussions held between the Government and the Religious we were referred to as Dysfunctional, Perverted and a danger to our own children. Once again,
"We took no action"
Promises of comparability of awards with those awarded in the High Court soon dissipated as the Redress Board set out to continue abusing the survivors who opted for the fast track option offered. Awards of as little as £5000.00 for years of abuse to victims unable to represent themselves. Again
"We took no action"
Solicitor's promises of "We will force them to recognise the suffering you endured in the confines of those places" quickly evaporated as they lined up in many cases to receive larger awards than those they were supposed to represent. Yes, you guessed it
"We took no action".
There is at this moment one of the bravest survivors and his son, it has been my honour to speak to in many years, standing outside the Dail, in all types of weather, highlighting the iniquities of this d**ned Redress Board.
Mr Hayes. Mr Tom Sweeney and his son Mark are fighting my battle, They are fighting your battle and they are fighting the battle of every single survivor who asked you and the other so-called Representative Survivor Groups to aid them in their battle for a just and fair compensation for the years of Hell they endured in their childhood.
Might I respectfully request that you post a mail to everyone on your books, begging them to write a letter to Tom and Mark thanking them for the stand they have made on our and their own behalf.
A public program of mail arriving outside the Dail to these two very brave men addressed to the
"Hunger Strike for Institutional Childhood Abuse Justice" would rapidly focus the attention of Mr Ahern and his disgusting colleagues.
It's time to stand up and be counted, no more kissing the arse of the Government and the Religious.
Tom. You mean as much to the Irish Government and the Religious of Ireland as I do and I mean nothing to them. I am just another thorn in their side.
To those of you in Ireland I beg of you assist these men in their hour of need. Stand with them if only for a few hours outside the Dail. Your assistance will be very much appreciated.
"IT'S TIME TO START TAKING ACTION"
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