Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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488. To ask the Minister for Health the way he will address the disturbing revelations of the unacceptable and poor standards of care at certain parts of Áras Attracta, County Mayo. [4947/15]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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489. To ask the Minister for Health the measures that are in place to ensure the highest standards of care at residential facilities for persons with a disability; and the method and frequency of inspections to ensure continued observations of such standards. [4948/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together.

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.

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 gardaí 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 the gardaí have now cleared the way for the investigation to commence.

The HSE has undertaken a number of additional initiatives to ensure that quality and safe care in residential services for people with disabilities is appropriately implemented and monitored, including:

- The establishment of a National Implementation Taskforce, including a series of National Summits to improve client safety, dignity, respect and culture;

- Implementation of the National Policy & Procedures on Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse;

- Development of an advocacy programme;

- Implementation of an evaluation and quality improvement programme in disability residential centres;

- Development of an implementation plan for any recommendations arising from the McCoy review of residential services in Áras Attracta when complete and,

- Development of long-term sustainable & evidence-based safeguarding practices and training programmes specific to residential settings.

I have asked the HSE to keep me informed of progress.

I am informed that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) commenced the regulation of residential centres for people with disabilities in November 2013. The purpose of this regulatory process is to ensure that service providers deliver a safe and good quality service to people with disabilities. Where HIQA finds that this is not the case, providers are required to take action to address the issues identified.

In 2014, HIQA conducted 603 inspections of designated centres, and 116 centres received two or more inspections.