Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would have appreciated if Deputy Adams had given me some prior notice of a specific case he wished to raise in respect of a nursing home, in this case Redwood. I have said on many previous occasions that the fragile, elderly and vulnerable deserve to have nothing but the best level of care and consideration given to them irrespective of where they are. I am aware that there are regulatory process issues at Redwood and I understand that HIQA is in discussion with it about these matters. When the example of Áras Attracta was brought to the notice of the House, I said that was not an example of care, but an example of control over fragile, vulnerable and in some cases voiceless people.

The HSE is taking a series of actions. The next national meeting of all the care providers takes place on 9 April and I understand that will be the second meeting in as many months. Clearly between this and then, the issue at point between HIQA and the managers in Redwood is one that will obviously be followed through.

As the Deputy is aware, there are also the whistleblowing procedures put in place by the HSE and a confidential recipient in respect of complaints in this matter, Leigh Gath, has been appointed. I am not sure whether the complaint in respect of this particular nursing facility was brought to the attention of the confidential recipient. It is a serious matter and I hope it can be brought to a conclusion where the truth of the matter can be held and that patients not just there, but everywhere else, receive the highest level of care and consideration from those who have responsibility for them in these circumstances.

See this speech in context