Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for tabling this question. Like others, I was shocked and distressed by the revelations of extremely poor and unacceptable standards of care and mistreatment of vulnerable adults at Áras Attracta. Every person who uses our disability services - as the Deputy is aware and as I have stated regularly - deserves not just the best standard of care but also to be treated with respect and dignity. The safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people in the care of the health service is of paramount importance and the director general of the HSE has written to all staff instructing them to take personal responsibility for ensuring that individuals supported by the HSE in any setting are treated with dignity and respect.

In December, the HSE initiated an expert investigation, chaired by Mr. Christy Lynch, and an independently-chaired review, led by Dr. Kevin McCoy, of services at the facility. Mr Lynch's investigation team is working independently of the HSE and its findings will facilitate any disciplinary process the HSE may undertake. I welcome the fact that the Garda has cleared the way to allow Mr. Lynch's investigation to commence. I have asked the HSE to keep me informed of progress. Dr. McCoy is undertaking an assurance review of the services at Áras Attracta and his final report will include an individual plan for improvement in each bungalow within the complex. The review will identify system-wide learning, involving engagement with relevant experts as well as input from staff. The HSE has undertaken a number of additional initiatives to ensure that quality and safe care in residential services for people with disabilities is appropriately implemented and monitored. These initiatives include the establishment of a national implementation task force, including a series of national summits to improve client safety, dignity, respect and culture; implementation of the national policy and procedures on safeguarding vulnerable persons at risk of abuse; development of an advocacy service, which is vitally important; implementation of an evaluation and quality improvement programme in disability residential centres; development of an implementation plan for any recommendations arising from the McCoy review of residential services at Áras Attracta, when complete; and development of long-term, sustainable and evidence-based safeguarding practices and training programmes specific to residential settings.

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