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Disability Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021

Tuesday, 19 October 2021

Ceisteanna (99, 182, 211, 216)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

99. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take in relation to the Brandon Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50025/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

182. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if a review of all disability services provided by the HSE is planned in response to the Brandon Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50028/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

211. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will be instructed to take any actions on foot of the Brandon Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50027/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

216. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he plans any follow up with the families of residents mentioned in the Brandon Report raised previously in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50026/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 182, 211 and 216 together.

The HSE commissioned the National Independent Review Panel to carry out a review of a residential service for adults with a disability.  The review report, the Brandon Report, focuses on matters of a sensitive nature, and how they were managed.

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.

I met with a number of families impacted by the findings of the Brandon Report last Friday in what were very open, heartfelt, and sobering exchanges.

As I have stated in correspondence with the HSE, it remains my view that the report should be published in full.  The report must lead to learning, with ensuing meaningful and tangible change.  We must ensure there cannot be such serious safeguarding failures in other settings.

The HSE has informed me that An Garda Síochána has requested it not to publish the report at this time.  I will continue to engage with the HSE and its Board on this matter in the weeks ahead.

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