Written answers

Tuesday, 27 January 2015

Department of Health

Mental Health Services Provision

Photo of Eoghan MurphyEoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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398. To ask the Minister for Health his views on implementing recommendations (details supplied) regarding residential care. [3798/15]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Like others, I was shocked and distressed by the revelations of extremely poor and unacceptable standards of care and mistreatment of vulnerable adults in Áras Attracta. Every person who uses our disability services is entitled to expect and receive supports of the highest standard and to live in an atmosphere of safety and care.

The safeguarding and protection of vulnerable people in the care of the health service is of paramount importance and the Director General of the HSE has written to all staff instructing them to take personal responsibility for ensuring that individuals supported by the HSE in any setting are treated with dignity and respect.

In December 2014 the HSE initiated both an expert investigation chaired by Mr Christy Lynch, and an independently chaired review of services at this facility led by Dr Kevin McCoy.

Mr Lynch’s investigation team is working independently of the HSE and its findings will be a precursor to any disciplinary process consideration at which the HSE will undertake. Mr Lynch is both nationally and internationally recognised as a champion for people with a disability and a leader in the implementation of innovative supports. His independence in relation to this issue should not be questioned, as his proven track record in fighting for people with a disability speaks for itself.

Dr McCoy is undertaking an Assurance Review of the services at Áras Attracta and the final report will include an individual plan for improvement in each bungalow within the complex. The review will identify system wide learning involving engagement with relevant expertise as well as input from staff.

A Garda investigation into allegations of abuse at the centre is ongoing and the Garda had requested that a stay be placed on HSE investigations until such time as the Garda investigation is completed. However, the HSE has informed me that gardaí have now cleared the way for the investigation to commence. Following the lift of a Garda stay, I have asked the HSE to keep me informed of progress.

On 16 December 2014, the Director General of the HSE announced the appointment of Ms Leigh Gath as Confidential Recipient in respect of complaints or disclosures of abuse of vulnerable persons in receipt of HSE funded services. Ms Gath has been a fearless advocate and a champion for people with a disability for many years and will, no doubt, provide a strong and independent voice in her role. I am informed by the HSE that Ms Gath took up her duties with effect from Monday 22 December 2014

In line with Government policy, disability providers are delivering an increasing proportion of services and supports which are individualised and person-centred and the HSE is actively working with disability providers towards the migration of more services in 2015 to this person-centred supports model.

Further work is necessary before decisions can be taken on the form or forms which individualised budgeting will take, but the essence of it will be that the individual is given more choice and control over how the money allocated to meet their needs is utilised.

In the meantime there are demonstration projects underway which are looking at all aspects of providing more person-centred and accountable supports for people with disabilities and these projects are providing a valuable insight into the issues arising.

The other points made in the details attached by the Deputy touch on the responsibilities of a number of my colleagues as well as myself, and I will make sure that my colleagues are made aware of these.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department will monitor progress on the initiatives and processes commissioned by the HSE in relation to Áras Attracta, to ensure that the learning from this incident is promulgated throughout our health system.

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