Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Darragh O'Brien that everyone will want to express their disgust and horror at the revelations on the "Prime Time" programme last night. While they were flagged in advance and we knew what would be in the programme, watching the scenes on the hidden camera was appalling. I refer in particular to the humiliation and degradation of residents by staff. I agree with Senator Darragh O'Brien entirely that this was not about resources, but involved experienced staff who had been there for some time. The treatment by some individuals of the residents of Áras Attracta was appalling. I am glad to see the HSE has apologised unreservedly. The HSE has already taken action and initiated a series of steps to prevent a recurrence of these unacceptable practices, which is very welcome. I note the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has welcomed the steps taken by the HSE, in particular the independent investigation it has initiated into the incidents at Áras Attracta. The real concern is that this sort of treatment of residents is happening in other institutions, which is something we will all be deeply concerned about.

I had the opportunity on Monday this week to spend quite some time at Mountjoy men's prison and the Dóchas centre for women. I visit the prisons on a regular basis. It is heartening to see the improvements to the conditions for prisoners there, in particular in the men's prison where the appalling practice of slopping out has been discontinued and all cells are single occupancy. The practice of doubling up has ceased. At the same time as we are making great improvements in our treatment of prisoners in custody, about which we have been the subject of international criticism for many decades, it is sad to see that we have not, apparently, made the same progress in the treatment of all citizens in institutions in the State. The Áras Attracta case, like Leas Cross ten years ago, should be a wake-up call for all of us. I congratulate the team of journalists who brought this to our attention and wish the HSE investigation team well. I hope we do not see any more of these depressing programmes. A colleague who has emigrated to Australia texted me this morning to say he despaired of humanity having watched the programme. We all share that view.

On a more optimistic note, I welcome the acceptance by the Government last night of the motion on recognition for the independent State of Palestine, following the lead of the Seanad. Recognition of the independent State of Palestine by different EU member states - and there seems to be a growing momentum around this - can only add impetus to efforts to secure peace in the Middle East, in particular between Israel and Palestine. It is a long-standing Labour Party policy and I am glad to see the Government moving on it.

Last night, I had the privilege to launch at the Mansion House the Dympna Meaney women's leadership development fund for Comhlámh, the organisation for returned development workers. This is a new bursary established for women leaders in the global south, in other words Central and South America, Asia and Africa. It seeks to empower women by providing them with opportunities to build skills and leadership, thereby empowering communities. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate in the new year on development strategies and organisations as there is a great deal of good work going on. We can be very proud of the fact that we send 2,000 volunteers from Ireland overseas every year to work in development. We do not highlight that enough in the Oireachtas and I would like to see us do so in the new year.