Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Moreover, it is not just the HSE services as there also are the private nursing care companies the HSE uses. As the leader of the organisation, does Mr. O'Brien conduct a culture survey each year among the entirety of the HSE, such as the world-renowned Denison culture survey? Does Mr. O'Brien ask the direct provision providers or the private nursing providers to conduct culture surveys? As I stated, it is an invisible but important word.

I support the comments of Senator Moran and immediate positive action is needed. Christmas is coming and while members will be leaving Leinster House on Friday, they will be leaving a highly vulnerable situation and have a crisis on their hands. I acknowledge the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, agreed quietly with me the other night but ethical issues and the rights of patients must be considered in this regard. For the present, are cameras needed in all these homes? Will it be necessary to keep a watchful eye because audits do not do it for me? As for the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, I have a client who is a 17-year-old child and whose parents wrote to the authority for fear of the child's safety. However, as all members are aware, HIQA cannot deal with individual complaints and one should put HIQA aside because audits mean nothing to me. Audits are box-ticking and anyone can open a door and be charming and perfect. I ask Mr. O'Brien to outline to members the HSE's short-term crisis control plan to allow everyone go home for Christmas. He should outline how something immediate will happen to protect these people and to stop the worry of all the families nationwide.