Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)

I thank Senator Clonan for raising this issue. As he knows, I am taking it on behalf of the Minister for Health. I also welcome Louise, Caitlin's mom, to the Visitors Gallery. The Senator has raised a very important issue. I will read the statement given to me by the Minister. The Government considers matters of safeguarding to be of paramount importance and values and appreciates people coming forward to report safeguarding concerns to the appropriate professional bodies and authorities. Although Senator Clonan refers to a specific case which is known to the HSE, he will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to address here the specifics of an ongoing sensitive case concerning allegations with respect to an individual. The HSE, however, assures the Department that, in respect of the case referred to by Senator Clonan, it remains engaged with both the service user and their family and has offered ongoing additional supports, including one-to-one counselling with their counsellor of choice.

In referring to the Senator’s query and the recommendations of a multidisciplinary report, the HSE advises that a clinical multidisciplinary assessment report was recently completed in conjunction with the individual and their family to assess day services needs based on the individual’s needs and wishes. This is being considered by the relevant parties.

I take this opportunity to offer reassurances on the various structures and processes in place within the sector which aim to protect against abuse and provide for appropriate action. A requirement exists for HSE-funded service providers to take appropriate measures to prevent abuse from arising as well as to respond to and report all abuse concerns as per their service agreement, in compliance with the HSE policy on safeguarding vulnerable persons at risk of abuse.

Senator Clonan may be aware that the Department of Health is currently developing a new policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector in consultation with the Department of children, disability and equality. The Department of Health is at an advanced stage in finalising this policy to further strengthen existing protections in this sector. It is expected that these sectoral policy proposals will be brought before the Government in the coming months and that the preparation of related underpinning legislation will commence thereafter.

The HSE’s trust in care policy is in place to ensure proper procedures for reporting suspicions or complaints of abuse against staff members while upholding the dignity and welfare of service user recipients. The HSE states that any trust in care investigation process involves the rights of all individuals involved and these rights must be fully protected to ensure a robust process and outcome in the interest of all parties. The Senator will be aware that fair procedures and the rights of parties involved in such a process must be maintained. That is the message that was given to me, Senator.