Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise a quite serious issue that has come to light as a result of some students from Trinity College Dublin going on placement. I thank the Minister for coming into the Dáil to address this issue. It has been reported in the national media that ten staff from Stewarts Hospital, which is a care facility for people with intellectual disabilities, have been suspended pending investigation into allegations over the standard of care provided to residents. I have considerable experience in community work and have had the opportunity at various stages to supervise mature students who are providing a service. I know all too well that it often takes considerable courage for any student to raise issues of concern because of possible consequences.

I welcome the Government's commitment to the protection of whistleblowers and am delighted that Stewarts Hospital is working with the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, to address these particular issues. Working as a carer is, of course, a very responsible position and it is an essential part of our society based on trust. The questions raised in this investigation are somewhat disturbing. Like the exposé in this House over recent weeks about charities, long before these events took place, I formed the opinion that greater supervision of all staff, including continuous professional development and assessment, monitoring and reviewing of standards of practice and regular in-service training, are vital components to ensure that the highest standards are adhered to by all care givers but especially those directly involved with the most vulnerable members of society such as those with learning disabilities who very often do not have the full means of protecting themselves.

I have no doubt that this is particularly distressing for family members and I am asking the Minister to ask Stewarts Hospital to meet individual family members to discuss the outcome of the HIQA investigation. My fear is that there may be organisations providing care today that are not giving due attention to individual care. It begs the question as to whether this problem is systemic throughout the care sector bearing in mind the fact that many recipients of care in Stewarts Hospital are moving into their later years and in the circumstances, are regarded as more vulnerable. They require more sensitive care in such circumstances because of the dual dependency of age and intellectual disability. I would be very grateful if the Minister could convey to Stewarts Hospital my request that following the outcome of the investigations, including that of HIQA, it would agree to meet with each family.

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