Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2021
189. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that there is no ongoing risk to service users in all disability day and residential units following the revelations in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56461/21]
View answerIn the context of correspondence with the HSE on a National Independent Review Panel report, the Brandon Report, the HSE has advised me that there is no ongoing risk to service users and that there is a commitment to the implementation of the specific recommendations arising from the report. This is in addition to making substantial changes to the wider Disability services in the area concerned and nationally in line with National Policy.
The Board has also advised that it is focused on ensuring that all of the recommendations of the report are promptly and appropriately actioned by the HSE. Actions are being taken to seek assurances requested by me and will be reported to me once concluded.
The government is committed to ensuring that the report leads to learning, with ensuing meaningful and tangible change. We must ensure there cannot be such serious safeguarding failures in other settings.
To strengthen the health and social care sector’s wider adult safeguarding framework, the Department of Health is currently developing a national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector, which includes disability services. This national sectoral policy will be in place in all private, voluntary and public health and social care settings and services and will be underpinned by any legislation that may be required.
We all share a common desire to have the best possible policies and services for people with disabilities. All adults have the right to be safe and to live a life free from abuse regardless of their circumstances. It is the responsibility of all service providers, statutory and non-statutory, to ensure that, service users are treated with respect and dignity, have their welfare promoted and receive support in an environment in which every effort is made to promote welfare and to prevent abuse.
