The scandal of abuse and neglect of elderly residents at two of the country's nursing homes has deepened with the publication of a HIQA report last night. It revealed that one of those homes, Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, had almost 200 allegations of abuse of residents in the past three years. HIQA has notified the Garda of its concerns regarding the two nursing homes concerned and has requested that Emeis Ireland, the company that owns the two facilities, stops admissions to all 25 of the homes it controls. How can we have 108 allegations of abuse at just one nursing home, yet it took an RTÉ programme to expose the scandal? What we witnessed on our TV screens was horrific. Vulnerable elderly people were manhandled, neglected, disrespected, pushed down hallways and forced roughly into chairs by the very people who were supposed to care for them. Their families are absolutely devastated and are calling on the Government to act now. The HIQA report reveals that these were not one-off failures in care caught on camera. The culture of abuse and neglect at Beneavin Manor was obviously endemic, hardwired into the operation of the home and went on for a very long time. It is clear that Emeis did not fear HIQA. Quite frankly, it did not give a toss about regulations or inspections. It is little wonder because the hands of HIQA are tied behind its back. It does not have the legal power to impose fines. The corporate entities that own these nursing homes are out of its reach. HIQA badly needs new powers to deal with both of these fundamentals. The toxic culture in these nursing homes and the regulatory and governance failure that allows this wholesale abuse of elderly residents are a direct result of Government policy. For decades, campaigners have called for robust adult safeguarding legislation to protect residents in nursing homes, but their calls have been ignored by the Government. Some 20 years on from the big promises of change made after Leas Cross, we have had a litany of abuse scandals, including the Brandon and Grace cases and Áras Attracta. We have had case after case of abuse after abuse, yet the Government sits on its hands. There is no safeguarding legislation, mandatory reporting or legal right of entry for social care teams to investigate complaints. There is no accountability ever. This abuse and neglect has happened with the corporate takeover of nursing homes and care. Twenty years ago, 30% of homes were in private hands. Today, that stands at 80%. The State walks away from its responsibilities and the profit of wealthy companies is put above the care and dignity of the very people who built this country. Is toradh é an scannal seo maidir le drochíde agus neamhaird a léiríodh do sheandhaoine a bhí ina gcónaí i dtithe altranais ar theip an Rialtais gníomhú. Teastaíonn reachtaíocht láidir a chosnóidh daoine fásta go práinneach. The Taoiseach may well seek to distance the Government from this scandal, but the fact is that the neglect and abuse and weak regulation and oversight are a direct result of Government policy, a policy to allow big corporates to take over nursing homes. The Government needs to act now. When will the Taoiseach listen to the calls of families and campaigners? When will HIQA have the powers it needs? When will the Taoiseach bring forward robust safeguarding and mandatory reporting legislation and ensure that our elderly citizens are safe and respected?
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The Taoiseach is not a commentator on these matters. He is after giving me a whole spiel there that told me precisely nothing, with all due respect. A total of 198 complaints were made against a nursing home with not a cent of financial penalty. There were no consequences until RTÉ showed up. This tells us the system is not working. It is not sufficient for the Taoiseach to take to his feet and offer tea and sympathy. We all know how difficult it is for anybody to make a decision to place a loved one in a nursing home and how difficult it is for the person themselves to lose that sense of autonomy that comes with all of that. The Taoiseach should know also there are people throughout the State terrified they would ever end up in a nursing home. More families are worried sick about the treatment of their loved ones in these facilities. I have made the point on the corporate takeover of care and the Government has facilitated that. HIQA cannot investigate individual complaints.
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It cannot impose financial penalties. It cannot reach into these corporate structures. What is the Taoiseach going to do about that? Will he please answer my question on safeguarding legislation-----
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-----mandatory reporting and the need for social care teams to have access to these homes to protect these very vulnerable elderly people?
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The CEO of HIQA is before a committee today looking for more powers. Answer my questions.
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Then answer the questions.
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No, answer the question.
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It is not sufficient.
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And the CEO-----
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Then answer the questions that are put to you.
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And I would expect answers-----
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-----to my questions.
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As am I. I am entitled to answers to my questions.
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