Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise a quite serious issue that has come to light as a result of some students from Trinity College Dublin going on placement. I thank the Minister for coming into the Dáil to address this issue. It has been reported in the national media that ten staff from Stewarts Hospital, which is a care facility for people with intellectual disabilities, have been suspended pending investigation into allegations over the standard of care provided to residents. I have considerable experience in community work and have had the opportunity at various stages to supervise mature students who are providing a service. I know all too well that it often takes considerable courage for any student to raise issues of concern because of possible consequences.

I welcome the Government's commitment to the protection of whistleblowers and am delighted that Stewarts Hospital is working with the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, to address these particular issues. Working as a carer is, of course, a very responsible position and it is an essential part of our society based on trust. The questions raised in this investigation are somewhat disturbing. Like the exposé in this House over recent weeks about charities, long before these events took place, I formed the opinion that greater supervision of all staff, including continuous professional development and assessment, monitoring and reviewing of standards of practice and regular in-service training, are vital components to ensure that the highest standards are adhered to by all care givers but especially those directly involved with the most vulnerable members of society such as those with learning disabilities who very often do not have the full means of protecting themselves.

I have no doubt that this is particularly distressing for family members and I am asking the Minister to ask Stewarts Hospital to meet individual family members to discuss the outcome of the HIQA investigation. My fear is that there may be organisations providing care today that are not giving due attention to individual care. It begs the question as to whether this problem is systemic throughout the care sector bearing in mind the fact that many recipients of care in Stewarts Hospital are moving into their later years and in the circumstances, are regarded as more vulnerable. They require more sensitive care in such circumstances because of the dual dependency of age and intellectual disability. I would be very grateful if the Minister could convey to Stewarts Hospital my request that following the outcome of the investigations, including that of HIQA, it would agree to meet with each family.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Keating for raising this matter. I am pleased to take this opportunity to outline the current position in respect of the standard of care provided to residents by the Stewarts Care organisation in Dublin.

Stewarts Care is a charitable foundation, with a long tradition in the provision of care for people with intellectual disability. The institution was the first in Ireland to offer such support for people with severe disabilities. Operating from two main sites at Palmerstown and Balgaddy in south-west Dublin and several satellite residential and service centres throughout west Dublin and north Kildare, Stewarts provides extensive on-site and community-based services. The organisation supports more than 300 residents and provides wide-ranging services for other clients, children and adults, who attend day services. Many families are also supported within their homes through the Stewarts home support programme.

The Government announced the commencement of a new scheme of registration and inspection of residential services for people with disabilities by the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, from 1 November 2013. HIQA is now able to set and monitor standards for designated centres, including residential services provided to persons with disabilities. HIQA is also empowered to undertake investigations into the safety, quality and standards of these residential services. This has been called for by the disability sector for a number of years. The sector was widely consulted in the drawing up of the new standards. With guidance from HIQA, these standards will empower providers to deliver even higher quality services.

Regarding the specific issues raised by Deputy Keating, I have been advised by the HSE that Stewarts Care received reports at the end of November from student nurses expressing concerns about some practices in the delivery of residential services to service users. Like the Deputy, I commend those young students.

In accordance with statutory requirements, Stewarts Care informed the HSE and HIQA of the reports. An investigation team was identified in line with guidance received from HIQA. I understand that, following consultation with HIQA, a number of staff have been suspended pending the outcome of this process. No one from Stewarts Care is now on the team examining the issues. It is expected that the chairman of the investigation team will meet each of the complainants over the next few days as part of the external investigation. Further action will be predicated on the outcome of this.

As an investigation into the allegations is under way, it is not appropriate for me to comment further. In addition, Stewarts Care may not be in a position to issue further comment before the completion of this process. The HSE acknowledges that the provider is working with HIQA to address all concerns and I am assured that the HSE will continue to be in close contact with Stewarts Care.

I will convey Deputy Keating's suggestion that Stewarts Care should meet each client's family once this process is complete. Not only does it seem a sensible action to take, but it is essential in order to ensure trust.

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his comprehensive report. In circumstances such as these, I agree with the Minister that due process must be allowed to conclude. I am reminded of the importance of setting the record straight. As the Minister stated, Stewarts Care has been a successful operation for many years. It has cared for a large number of people appropriately. It is a wonderful institution.

I acknowledge the Minister's congratulation of the student nurses involved. We all agree that they showed great courage, notwithstanding the process that needs to take place. I am grateful to the Minister for agreeing to my request that, irrespective of the outcome, Stewarts meet the families concerned at the end of the process so as to allay their fears and put their minds at rest. We await the outcome.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy again for raising this issue. A priority for the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and I is to ensure that the most vulnerable in society have a voice. It was extraordinary that there was no inspectorate to safeguard standards in the care and support for people with disabilities, many of whom cannot speak up for themselves. It is interesting that new people can enter an environment and see with new eyes protocols that require revision. Without trying to prejudge the outcome of this investigation, I believe in a general sense that it is always good to have an outside authority to monitor and support the service so as to ensure that it meets the highest standards and keeps up to date with the modern approach to providing care for people who require it in that setting as opposed to somewhere that is everyone's preference, that is, at home or in a more independent setting.