Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately we know that on average, residents living in congregated settings have a lower quality of life and that is reaffirmed in this report. Regrettably, HIQA inspections have shown poor compliance results, poor quality of life for residents, or impacts on their safety. The findings are even more worrying when we consider the slow rates at which individuals are moved out to community settings. I am deeply concerned at the increased use of private providers for vital health and social care services and at the use of congregated settings as the default situation when the State fails to provide the necessary support. I am continually highlighting as an example that over 1,300 people under 65 years of age are confined to nursing homes. Not only is current policy breaching their rights, but it is harmful to their quality of life and future prospects. It is important to note as well that the report found considerable compliance; instances of good practices; and adults and children who had positive experiences. However, it is the non-compliance and harmful activities which are important for us to focus on.

The report shows that in organisations where there was limited provision for independent choice or self-advocacy, residents were more likely to express dissatisfaction. Inspectors were informed by disabled people that they were not being listened to, or that their rights, privacy and dignity were not being respected. Can the representatives from HIQA elaborate on that point and the impact it has on individuals? Inspectors found in some cases that care providers were not ensuring residents could directly access their own money. This is an extremely worrying finding. Not only is it disrespectful, but it is potentially abusive and illegal behaviour. While there are grey areas surrounding issues of agency, this is black and white. Will the witnesses provide more explanation about these situations and the actions that were taken? Can those providers be compelled to stop those kinds of malpractices? Another worrying finding is that some children did not have a school placement or an individual education plan. A case is cited in which a child was not being provided with their right to education. Again, that is a serious issue bordering on neglect and illegality. What can HIQA do in those circumstances?

A very serious finding is that not everyone was afforded access to national health screening services. This is frankly disgraceful and neglectful and creates a risk of vulnerable people developing serious conditions. Given the significance of that finding, what actions were taken? While the overall provision of assessment and care planning is good, there were cases of individuals not having their full care and support needs adequately assessed. This obviously impacts on their quality of life and risks different forms of regression. Can the representatives outline the recommendations made regarding assessment compliance and the provision of personal planning processes?