Last night, an RTE programme aired showing abuses of residents at Áras Attracta in Co Mayo. The programme was shocking in its depiction of the treatment of individuals suffering from intellectual disabilities.
The footage, recorded using hidden cameras, showed residents being dragged across the floor, kicked, threatened and hit. One woman in her 50s, suffering from an intellectual disability, was denied access to the toilet.
Nine staff members at the Áras Attracta have been suspended without pay, and the HSE has launched “a full assurance review” into the care at the home.
A ‘national summit’ has also been announced, to take place next Tuesday, December 16.
The HSE have apologised unreservedly for the abuse in the home: “The HSE wishes to apologise unreservedly to the residents concerned and to their families for any distress experienced at any time in relation to poor standards of care provided to them in Unit 3.”
This morning, Kathleen Lynch told Newstalk Breakfast that she could not confirm these issues were not occurring in other areas: "We would hope that these things are not happening. We can't be certain.
"Our past in terms of abuse of all sorts in this country, I don't believe that there is anyone hand on heart could say at this time that it's not happening somewhere else and I'm definitely not prepared to do that."
She also spoke about the timeline for the investigation and stated that HIQA would not have seen the behaviour in the documentary last night:
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Minister says the Government will respond in a “robust” way to the “inhuman” treatment of residents at a Mayo care home.
Simon Coveney says the scenes of abuse and humiliation of residents at Aras Attracta shown on last night's Prime Time programme are totally unacceptable.
Several investigations have been launched into the matter - and Minister Kathleen Lynch has asked that appropriate resources be put in place to ensure the safety of residents at the centre.
Minister Simon Coveney says the State has a responsibility to protect its most vulnerable people:
Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation General Secretary Liam Doran spoke to Jonathan Healy today about the investigation: "We are collectively condemning and view as appalling what was pictured last night for which there is no excuse".
Meanwhile, Director General of the HSE Tony O’Brien also spoke to Jonathan Healy today and he stated that a "very dark shadow hangs over the health service today".
"I was at home, watching it with some members of my family. I hadn't seen any of the footage before. I read the detailed allegation from Áras Atrracta."
"I felt personally sickened."
"I'm very happy to offer an unreserved apology."
The Taoiseach's described as traumatic, frightening, sickening and infuriating the treatment of the residents in the care home.
Enda Kenny's told the Dáil that what was depicted at Aras Attracta on last night's Prime Time was not an example of care but of control.
He says he won't rule out an independent inquiry - but not before a full Garda investigation is completed.
The Taoiseach says the bosses of other care homes are being called to a meeting to guarantee this treatment of people is not going on anywhere else:
