Residential Institutions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023

Wednesday, 28 June 2023

Questions (138)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

138. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of reports of alleged sexual abuse of residents in residential nursing homes that HIQA has received since 2021 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. [31405/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

The Health Information and Quality Authority's older people's services inspection team is legally responsible for the monitoring, inspection and registration of designated centres for older people, such as nursing homes, in Ireland. HIQA is currently collating the information requested by the Deputy but will need some more time to complete this piece of work. I will reply to Deputy when the information is provided to my Department.