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.

The reaction has been scathing from many quarters; from healthcare officials, politicians and the general public.

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 reaction of Twitter was visceral, with many calling for harsh punishment and asking how many other care homes are the site of scenes such as those uncovered in Mayo.

Sometimes there are no words. #rtept #primetime

— Jarlath Regan (@Jarlath) December 9, 2014

Three weeks filming, one institution... the big worry for everyone must be how do we know/trust the quality of care elsewhere #rtept

— Vincent Murphy (@MurphyVincent) December 9, 2014

This is very hard to watch. Why would somebody with no kindness become a nurse or a carer? I wouldn't treat a dog like that. #rtept

— Deirdre OShaughnessy (@deshocks) December 9, 2014

 

The head of Inclusion Ireland – the national association for people with an intellectual disability - Paddy Connolly, says the abuse that went on at Áras Attracta is certainly happening in other institutions.

“I think we can way with a far degree of confidence that it’s certain that these events are happening elsewhere, and the reason we can say that is because there are no checks and balances in the system,” he said.

“There is no way of independently assuring ourselves that the type of abuses we saw and see in Áras Attracta aren’t being repeated elsewhere. We have no way of confidently stating that this is not the case,” Mr Connolly said.

In a statement the HSE said: “without in any way wishing to preempt the findings of an independent investigation underway, describes as "totally unacceptable" many of the examples of behaviour, attitude and practice demonstrated by some staff in Unit 3 of Aras Attracta that were shown in RTE's Primetime today.”

The HSE wishes to apologise unreservedly to the residents

“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.”

HSE Director General Tony O’Brien said of the programme’s findings, "Such standards should not and will not be tolerated in the HSE."

The Taoiseach earlier said those involved may face criminal prosecution. Mr Kenny said the footage was being investigated by the HSE, HIQA and the Gardaí and anyone who is guilty of wrongdoing will face the full rigours of the law.

“You can take it that the analysis being carried out by the HSE, by HIQA, by the Minister and the Minister of State will have the support of government,” Mr Kenny said.

“Clearly the authorities are in on this, the gardai are investigating it, a number of investigations are taking place and I expect those to be carried through by those authorities,” he added.

Sending undercover investigators into care homes must now be considered

Meanwhile, the Minister with responsibility for Disability - Kathleen Lynch - says sending undercover investigators into care homes must now be considered.

"We need to follow due process."

Pat Healy, National Director of Social Care with HSE, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning and said the most important thing is that the independent investigation concludes its work.

"We have also asked RTE to provide us with the film."

"I have commissioned this investigation. I can't give a time. I want the investigation team to conclude their work."

The nine individuals who were suspended could be on full pay suspension for the next few months: "We need to follow due process."

On the subject of the HIQA inspections, Mr Healy: "The way we are looking at this is, we won't be looking at cameras. Privacy of the individual is important."

"There is a responsibility... to treat people fairly, responsibly and safely."

Here is the interview in full: