Departmental Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Questions (678)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

678. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of reports of alleged sexual abuse of residents in residential nursing homes or designated residential disability centres that HIQA has received since 2015 directly through unsolicited concerns and through its inspection work; the breakdown on the source of the allegations; the number of said reports that HIQA subsequently reported to An Garda Síochána.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6151/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I am advised by HIQA that, during the period from January 2015 to February 2022, unsolicited information (as set out in the attached file) was received and processed by HIQA and the Chief Inspector of Social Services in relation to reports of alleged sexual abuse.

Alleged Sexual Abuse

In respect of the attached reports, HIQA found that there were six situations over the period in question where a referral to An Garda Síochána would have been appropriate but where the provider had not made such a referral. HIQA subsequently referred these allegations to An Garda Síochána.