Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 December 2022
72. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the status of the review or oversight of safeguarding in County Donegal, promised by the Minister of State of his Department and of the Department of Health, in reply to a topical issue of 5 May 2022, on the Brandon report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy primary objective in this regard is to ensure that the recommendations of all relevant reports are being appropriately addressed.
It is worth noting that over the course of 2022, HIQA’s chief inspector undertook an escalated programme to inspect all of the centres operated by the HSE in Co. Donegal, to assess whether the HSE was implementing its improvement plan and whether its actions were effective in improving the services for residents in designated centres. I am advised that this programme of inspection will be completed by the end of the year.
Noteworthy is the fact that as the inspection reports for these centres have been finalised during the year, they have been published on the HIQA website. I am advised that while there have been compliance issues with a number of centres, overall inspectors have found that the HSE is implementing its improvement plan and is progressing with improvements in the quality of support and care to residents. In centres where inspectors have identified non-compliances, they have required the HSE to take action to address areas of concern and have returned to inspect those centres again to verify that there have been improvements.
The chief inspector will provide a more detailed analysis of the inspection programme when it is completed.
This is indeed assurance that improvements are being made. I am, however, keen to see that the recommendations of the various reports concerning CHO/Donegal are being progressed and appropriately maintained. I am actively considering options for an assurance mechanism in this regard.
The findings of HIQA’s regulatory programme, and the mechanisms put in place by the HSE to address the recommendations etc. of various reports concerning CHO1/Donegal, may inform wider safeguarding practice, governance and policy, as appropriate. The ultimate aim, however, is to ensure that services are safe for clients and that those working in the services are appropriately supported.
Separately, the Department of Health is at an advanced stage of developing an overarching national policy to enhance and strengthen adult safeguarding in the health and social care (including disability) sector. The Department plans to launch a public consultation on the draft policy early next year and has allocated €4m in development funding in 2023 to support the introduction of the new policy and to enhance operational safeguarding services within the sector.
