James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Clonan for raising this really important issue. I am answering on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities, Deputy Rabbitte. I note the Senator's remarks. I am here to answer on the Minister of State's behalf and will do my best to address the issues that he has raised.

At the outset, I want to acknowledge Senator Clonan's ongoing advocacy for the disability sector. He is a very fine advocate and I respect his commitment to the sector. The Government takes these matters, and any allegations of abuse, extremely seriously and considers the safeguarding of adults at risk against abuse to be of paramount importance. Senator Clonan has referred to a specific case and that case is known to the HSE. However, it would not be appropriate for me to address here the specifics of a sensitive case concerning one individual.