We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Áras Attracta and care placements

Summary

Senator Mary Ann O’Brien urges Senators to watch the Áras Attracta programme and raises a case involving a 16-year-old placed with adults.

I will be brief because Senator Mary Moran has said what I wished to say. I urge all the Senators to watch "Prime Time" this evening on the Áras Attracta Care Centre. They should prepare themselves to see how older people with intellectual disabilities are treated; I am sure they have all seen the trailers. Senator Mary Moran and I sought a debate on the issue last week. I have a case in hand involving a child aged 16 years who is in a home with adults, near where I live. That is not permitted by HIQA or the HSE, but it is happening. I am trying to get her moved from that home. I will not go into detail about the child but there have been problems. I urge Members to watch "Prime Time" tonight and to look at what is happening in their own constituencies. We must schedule a debate with the Minister for Health. There will be lessons from tonight's programme and the HSE, from the top down, has questions to answer. A person supposedly on work experience had a hidden camera in the home that will be featured tonight. Should there be hidden cameras throughout Ireland? What is the answer for these very vulnerable people, who cannot tell us if they are being mistreated?

Comment on this