Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)

I thank every Member for everything they have said about this. I do not want to repeat what we know is wrong. The real question is what we are going to do to make sure it never happens again. This case really exposed more than individual failure. It exposed the culture of silence and of institutions more focused on protecting systems than protecting people. When the person who is failed is someone with intellectual disability, the failure cuts even deeper. Today, I want to ask what we must do right now.

First, we need to guarantee permanent independent oversight of care placements for vulnerable children and adults. This means giving higher legal power to oversight of such placements, whether public, private or foster-based, and ensuring that no complaint and no red flag is ever allowed to sit unanswered again. Second, we need to ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are central to safeguarding. Grace could not speak up for herself and when she did, no one listened, but others can. We need formal supporting mechanisms of self-advocacy, complaints and whistleblowing that are accessible, protected and listened to, like what happened with St. John's Ambulance. Third, we need a full review of how the HSE and Tusla respond to allegations of abuse. There were delays, files were not followed up and concerns were not acted on. This cannot be allowed to happen again. Fourth, we must commit to resourcing community-based supports, with real alternatives to long-term institutional settings or any abuse.

I would also like to draw attention regarding abuse to a young lady whom I met outside the gates of the Dáil when I was going to attend a meeting in Buswells. This was brought up by another Deputy. It is the case of Katie Byrne, date of birth 19 November. I would like to ensure that this can be looked into. She is currently being abused. She has been waiting for 14 years to get an assessment and the care that she critically needs. I urge the Department and Government to give this young woman the care that she needs rather than failing again. Gabhaim buiochas leis an Aire. I know the Minister has a huge job ahead of her. She has engaged proactively with me on other issues. I hope that she can look into this case. I thank her.

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