Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The people in the Redwood residential centre are residents as opposed to patients and they deserve the very best level of care and attention. I empathise with the Deputy's comments in respect of the persons whose cases he has mentioned here and is entitled to raise with their permission. How will we know about these things? Clearly, there have been incidents in the past, the last of which was the Áras Attracta case, which brought about a real focus on how exactly people should become aware of lack of care, attention and consideration. That is why the confidential recipient was appointed and that is why HIQA in its independence - it is completely independent in how it carries out its responsibilities and in its authority - is entitled to examine this centre or any other centre and bring its findings to the attention of the HSE, but also to the attention of the proprietors and managers of any facility where this applies.

I do not have the detail of the HIQA analysis to the extent that the Deputy has before him. However, all in the House would share the view that elderly, vulnerable, fragile and voiceless people deserve nothing but the best level of care and attention. That is why we have a confidential recipient. That is why we have a completely independent authority that is able to analyse these things. Where there are criminal activities, they are a matter for the Garda to investigate, as it has done and is doing in a number of cases. In terms of care, consideration, treatment and comfort for elderly people who are residents in locations such as this or patients in nursing homes, we must be seen to be able to uphold the very highest standards. Where that does not apply, the law must apply and appropriate action must be taken.

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