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

I know we are very restricted when it comes to the time allocated for the Topical Issue debate but I genuinely thank the two Deputies opposite for raising the issue as it is something that has preoccupied me for quite a considerable time.

I welcome the opportunity to address the allegations of abuse in a foster home in the south east which are a matter of grave concern to me and to the Government. Every person who uses disability services is entitled to expect and receive care of the highest standard and to live in dignity and safety. Our aim must always be to ensure that people maximise their potential and live rich and fulfilling lives. They and their families trust us to care for them with kindness, compassion and respect. While it is clear that real issues have been raised about the protection of vulnerable people in the south east, it has also been very difficult to establish the facts with certainty. The matters relating to the south east were raised by the Committee of Public Accounts in 2015 in the context of the procurement process for reports into these matters and the extended period of time during which it has not been possible to publish them.

In response to the concerns raised and the ongoing delay in publishing reports commissioned by the HSE, I appointed Conor Dignam, SC, to undertake a review into these matters, taking account of the ongoing Garda investigation. This review remains in train and Mr. Dignam will report back at the end of April. I have received assurances from the HSE that the person at the centre of the Conal Devine inquiry, who we are now calling Grace, was removed from the foster family in 2009. I understand that Grace is in full-time residential care with a voluntary service provider. Matters are complicated by the fact that there is an ongoing Garda investigation and the HSE has been precluded from publishing the Devine and Resilience Ireland reports into the matter pending completion of that investigation. While this may be frustrating, it is important that we do not prejudge the outcome. Instead, we must remain focused on the questions that, in my opinion, remain unanswered.

In view of the seriousness of the issues raised and the need to establish the facts, the Government has today approved the establishment of a statutory commission of investigation. This is subject to the agreement of terms of reference and the approval of the Oireachtas. I am in no doubt that the work undertaken by Mr. Dignam, SC, will make a key contribution to informing the drafting of the terms of reference for a commission of investigation. Additional resources have been allocated to Mr. Dignam to allow him to accelerate the completion of his report. Both the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and I have requested copies of the Devine report and the Resilience Ireland report from the HSE under section 40C of the Health Act 2004. This is an important development as we believe direct access to these reports will assist our understanding of the relevant facts surrounding these disturbing allegations. It will also assist in bringing forward detailed proposals for the establishment of the commission of investigation. I hope that early in the life of the new Dáil, we will approve the establishment of the statutory commission of investigation and that it will also be approved by our colleagues in the Seanad. I again thank Deputies Clare Daly and Mick Wallace.

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