Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We all agree that the safety and protection of vulnerable people is paramount and continue to strive to work together for this objective. If one of the reasons why the Brandon report was not published was industrial relations or human resources issues because of the identification of a particular layer in HSE management, well HIQA has done it now.

The chief inspector has indicated that there is an inspection programme in the CHO to verify the implementation of the HSE improvement plan and to confirm where the actions taken by the HSE are effective in delivering safer and better quality support. I am also working with officials in the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to develop some form of review or oversight of safeguarding in Donegal. I have been open about my belief that this needs to be led by an expert, independent person specialising in social care and safeguarding who is independent of the HSE and HIQA. My ask is that the powers that be in the HSE and HIQA work with this independent person or group or be part of the team but it will be led by an independent expert where they can share the findings of whatever reports I cannot publish.

Not too long ago, Deputy Connolly stood behind Deputy Pringle and listed all the reports done on Donegal since 2015 and 2016. By pulling all those reports together, the terms of reference can be identified. Yet again, it would be wonderful to have the co-operation of the HSE and HIQA in terms of working with me to review safeguarding and reassure families with loved ones in centres in Donegal that not only are their loved ones receiving the best possible care but that if an issue is identified, the front-line staff working there will be supported when they identify an issue and will know how to identify issues and patterns. For far too long, we have adopted the medical model when it comes to institutionalised care. We need to look at the social care model, stop calling issues episodes and start understanding where that pattern came from and how to support staff but most importantly, the service user in the centre.

Work is underway and I hope that with the co-operation of the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, this will be expedited. We hope to have a framework by June.

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