Urgent Action Required To Safeguard Those In Care Homes – Patricia Ryan TD

Thursday, 22 June 2023 09:37

By Caoimhe Harney

A review found allegations against a staff member were investigated

The government needs to take immediate action to ensure proper safeguarding of all people in care homes, according Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Older People, Patricia Ryan TD.

A healthcare assistant was jailed for 11 years for the rape of a woman - known only as Emily - at the HSE-run facility.

A review, which has yet to be published, found there were other allegations against the same staff member which were not believed or followed up on.

Deputy Ryan, outlined the distressing failure of the state to protect the most vulnerable in our society and pressed the government to do more to ensure this is not repeated in the future.

Teachta Ryan went on to say: “What makes this worse is that previous allegations had been made by other residents but were not followed up as they should have been.

“The National Independent Review Panel issued nine recommendations, must be implemented without delay.

“Measures such as better staff training on recognising signs of abuse and the appropriate response to it, having a dedicated mandatory structure for reporting and follow-up of any allegations, however small, would go a long way to ensuring our elderly and vulnerable are properly safeguarded.

“Its past time now to deliver the Adult Safeguarding legislation, to hold those responsible for the failings to account.

“The Report and its recommendations must be acted upon," she added.

Deputy Ryan called on Government to act urgently and collectively work together to deliver this critical legislation, to ensure that such harrowing incidents do not happen again.