Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
794. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether the full investigation report into the 'Brandon' case will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40608/23]
View answerThe HSE commissioned the National Independent Review Panel to carry out a review of a residential service for adults with a disability at Ard Greine Court, Stranorlar, Co Donegal, known as the Brandon Report.
Adult safeguarding is an important matter for all society, agencies and Government Departments. I take all concerns regarding the abuse/mistreatment of vulnerable adults very seriously. Having sought the Attorney General’s advice on the matter, my colleague Minister Donnelly indicated previously that neither he, as Minister for Health, nor I may direct the HSE to publish the Report. No legal basis has been identified that would permit publication of the report.
The Attorney is of the view that it would not be permissible for the Minister to publish the report where the HSE, as the body responsible for publication under the NIRP guidelines, has determined the Report should not be published in full. On the 16th December 2021 the HSE published an executive summary.
Significant work is ongoing in the health and social care sector to further strengthen adult safeguarding policy and legislation, led by the Department of Health, building on the robust structures already in place.
