Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Adult safeguarding is an important matter for all of society and all agencies and Departments. On Tuesday night, I read the full report into what transpired in that nursing home. I would not ask any of my colleagues to sit at 11 o'clock at night and read a report like that. It was very distressing.

I wish to be clear that relevant legislation is in place and applicable across all sectors. There are structures and processes in place to protect against abuse and ensure prompt action in the health and social care sector and additional policy development is under way. The HSE adult safeguarding policy includes a zero tolerance approach that requires staff to report all abuse concerns, criminal or otherwise. When matters of a criminal nature arise, An Garda Síochána should be informed in addition to HSE safeguarding and protection teams. The abuse of a person who is in the care of the State is completely unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally.

Two reviews have already been undertaken by the HSE. I note that Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE, stated, "I am not satisfied we yet fully understand all of the issues in this facility [that is a powerful statement] or indeed for those arising for the wider care context." I welcome his decision to commission the services of a safeguarding expert from another jurisdiction to support the HSE's further consideration. As I stated, my Department is finalising a draft national policy on adult safeguarding in health in order to strengthen the current framework.

Even if that legislation was in place, however, I do not know how we could stop a person who wants to commit a crime like that. I refer to the culture that was in place in the context of that particular incident. The most important thing for me is that the voice and choice of older people will be heard. You can speak forever but it does not good unless you are listened to. You have to be listened to. It relates to the culture. There were other people who raised concerns. The report states that those in question may have had delirium, dementia or a urinary tract infection but the signs were there. As a result, after what happened to her, Emily did not get to enjoy her last days and her family did not get to enjoy them. There is absolutely no tolerance of this by anyone in the House or in society. You cannot have a situation like that. I am sorry for getting upset. I know we are all together on this and want to see the best for older people. There are 22,500 people in nursing homes today under the fair deal scheme. There are another 31,5000 people in long-term residential care. We all have to know they are protected and supported and living out the best days of their lives. I apologise for going over time.

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