Western Care protected disclosures
Deputy Conway-Walsh sought an independent investigation into protected disclosures and unregulated services in Mayo. The Taoiseach said existing protected-disclosure procedures must be followed, though he would raise the matter with the Health Minister.
Is the Taoiseach aware that a number of protected disclosures have been submitted to the Western Care Association and the HSE in County Mayo? Will the Taoiseach ask his Ministers to conduct an immediate independent investigation into these serious issues related to the care of the most vulnerable people in our county? I wish to ask the Taoiseach why there are 42 unregulated individualised services operating in the county. Will the Taoiseach give his assurances that no employee, former employee, service user or family will be disadvantaged as a result of coming forward with protected disclosures or information?
Comment on this
There are procedures for protected disclosures and how they are dealt with. In regard to the specific case identified, I will raise the fact that the Deputy has raised it with the Minister for Health. However, there are set procedures for dealing with protected disclosures and they should be followed.