James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Keating for raising this matter. I am pleased to take this opportunity to outline the current position in respect of the standard of care provided to residents by the Stewarts Care organisation in Dublin.

Stewarts Care is a charitable foundation, with a long tradition in the provision of care for people with intellectual disability. The institution was the first in Ireland to offer such support for people with severe disabilities. Operating from two main sites at Palmerstown and Balgaddy in south-west Dublin and several satellite residential and service centres throughout west Dublin and north Kildare, Stewarts provides extensive on-site and community-based services. The organisation supports more than 300 residents and provides wide-ranging services for other clients, children and adults, who attend day services. Many families are also supported within their homes through the Stewarts home support programme.

The Government announced the commencement of a new scheme of registration and inspection of residential services for people with disabilities by the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, from 1 November 2013. HIQA is now able to set and monitor standards for designated centres, including residential services provided to persons with disabilities. HIQA is also empowered to undertake investigations into the safety, quality and standards of these residential services. This has been called for by the disability sector for a number of years. The sector was widely consulted in the drawing up of the new standards. With guidance from HIQA, these standards will empower providers to deliver even higher quality services.

Regarding the specific issues raised by Deputy Keating, I have been advised by the HSE that Stewarts Care received reports at the end of November from student nurses expressing concerns about some practices in the delivery of residential services to service users. Like the Deputy, I commend those young students.

In accordance with statutory requirements, Stewarts Care informed the HSE and HIQA of the reports. An investigation team was identified in line with guidance received from HIQA. I understand that, following consultation with HIQA, a number of staff have been suspended pending the outcome of this process. No one from Stewarts Care is now on the team examining the issues. It is expected that the chairman of the investigation team will meet each of the complainants over the next few days as part of the external investigation. Further action will be predicated on the outcome of this.

As an investigation into the allegations is under way, it is not appropriate for me to comment further. In addition, Stewarts Care may not be in a position to issue further comment before the completion of this process. The HSE acknowledges that the provider is working with HIQA to address all concerns and I am assured that the HSE will continue to be in close contact with Stewarts Care.

I will convey Deputy Keating's suggestion that Stewarts Care should meet each client's family once this process is complete. Not only does it seem a sensible action to take, but it is essential in order to ensure trust.

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