Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Caoláin for his question. I know that from his personal family circumstances he can empathise in a situation like this so much more deeply than others who may not have those particular family circumstances.

I was called about this last week by the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and I took her call with a sense of dread and anger. I have since been briefed on it by the Minister for Health. I believe I speak for the whole country when I say that the idea that men and women with intellectual disabilities would be slapped or sat on - as I understand is shown in the footage of this programme - is utterly intolerable and unacceptable to us as a Government and as a people. Every person who uses our disability services is entitled to receive supports of the highest standards and to live in an atmosphere and environment of safety and care. There is no excuse - none whatever - for abuse or conduct in the circumstances that I understand have been outlined. I have not seen footage of the programme but I intend to watch it later on this evening or tomorrow morning.

The HSE alerted the Garda Síochána and HIQA immediately. In the interests of protecting residents and staff themselves, it put a number of staff off duty while the allegations are being investigated. I support the HSE's immediate initiation of an expert investigation into these serious allegations, which is chaired by Mr. Christy Lynch who is the CEO of KARE, whom the Deputy may know. He independently chaired the review of services provided at this facility, led by Dr. Kevin McCoy who is a former chief inspector of the Northern Ireland Social Services Inspectorate.

The director general of the HSE wrote to all the staff emphasising the serious responsibilities on them personally to ensure that individuals supported by the HSE in any setting are treated with respect and dignity. He also reminded them of their absolute duty to report incidents of maltreatment or poor practice concerning any person. As the Minister has said, the HSE is also planning to initiate its own undercover investigations into operations in HSE facilities to supplement the programme of inspections already in place. We had this before with Deputy O'Dowd a number of years ago in the Leas Cross situation.

The Minister has been fully briefed and has assured me that instructions have been given to the HSE to keep both himself and the Minister of State fully informed. I have also been assured that the HSE's priority is to protect the valued services that people residing in Áras Attracta receive as a critical support for them and their families.

I recall when this place was opened. As the Deputy rightly points out, there are many people who work in the health service who do an excellent job and provide a first-class service. This kind of activity does them down, ruins the reputation of health care workers and is an insult to the wider family of the persons involved. Let me assure the Deputy, the House and the families of those in Áras Attracta and elsewhere that the law will follow its course. HIQA, the HSE and the relevant Minister are fully involved in following through this, as are the Garda. It may well be that criminal charges may arise from this. That is a matter for the authorities involved.

There were 59 recommendations made in respect of the HIQA investigation into the facility and they have all been implemented. Two practice co-ordinators have been assigned to Áras Attracta, effective from 2 December 2014, reporting directly to the director of services and liaising with the national head of operations and service. I have provided the names of the investigators there and the assurance review team.

I know the facility, which is close to me. Unfortunately, this is another incident in a long line of incidents over the years. As the Minister indicated, the HSE will have its own undercover investigation team. RTE should be commended for the service it has carried out in this regard and I hope the investigations, when complete, will be followed through. There is no place in our society for this kind of conduct.

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