Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Deputy Regina Doherty. I am not convinced and nothing I have heard here tonight has relieved my fear. I am a mother of a child who uses a respite unit and I am appalled, sickened and shocked by what went on in Áras Attracta and nothing that I have heard has eased my fears. I have nothing against the unit where my son attends.

I have noted there will be a Garda inquiry, HIQA and HSE inquiries, and a confidential recipient. A new task force has been set up. We could talk for ever and ever. What we need is positive action and not more reports and more meetings.

I was delighted when Mr. O'Brien referred eventually to the actual people who were most wounded in that report, namely, the residents. What exactly has been done for them since this report came out?

Deputy O'Dowd raised the issue of those who make complaints or whistleblowers who will contact the confidential recipient. The designation of a confidential recipient is welcome but from my study of the reports that HIQA has done on institutions all over the country, one can see that it has had to report on major non-compliance when it has made a second visit.

In the course of the "Prime Time" programme, we heard a reference that "she's gone" about the person who appeared to have made complaints about what was going on in Áras Attracta and that nothing was done about the complaints. I have been contacted by several people in the past year about their concerns about what was happening in residential units, people who tried to make complaints about different places but got nowhere and felt they would be bullied out of their job if they complained too loudly.

Although I could keep going all night, I only have four minutes in which to ask specific questions of the witnesses. I seek an answer this evening as to whether the HSE can state categorically that each person in any of its services, be it provided directly or privately funded, has a person-centred plan in place that is meaningful, monitored, reviewed and actually is carried out. Can the witnesses confirm for the joint committee this evening that everybody in the HSE's services, both funded and provided, has a full and comfortable life? I am sorry but I have no doubt but that it will not ring true. Can the witnesses confirm that those who cannot communicate are supported in decision-making and have their needs met? There must be fundamental reform of how the services are designed and delivered. One should consider the money that will go into all of these measures, as I reiterate my welcome for the confidential recipient. I absolutely do not like the job she must do or the amount of work that will be in front of her. However, the supports must be put in place in all the other places nationwide given the existing levels of care. I have a question regarding the 13 people who currently have stepped down from their work. Were they all qualified nurses or what was the breakdown in this regard? Were they permanent staff? Were there any agency staff involved and if so, what specific measures can be taken with agency staff? While I have many more questions, perhaps I can come back in.