Kenny calls for HIQA to appear before PAC following devastating RTÉ Investigates
Kenny calls for HIQA to appear before PAC following devastating RTÉ Investigates - The Labour Party
Labour Cork North Central TD and member of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee Eoghan Kenny has expressed his concern that the RTÉ Investigates programme into nursing home care represents but a drop in the ocean of failures across care of older people.
Deputy Kenny said:
“HIQA have not appeared before the PAC since 2017. Given the huge systemic issues within the organisation detailed by RTÉ last night, I will be proposing inviting HIQA to the PAC with my committee colleagues.
“The fact that HIQA took over four months to investigate issues identified by RTÉ is beyond belief. We are talking about care of our much loved older people who deserve dignity as they age. What we witnessed last night was utterly appalling.
“Credit is due to RTÉ for highlighting this issue. Already this morning, staff members from other homes have made contact with my office to express their concerns about practices being replicated in their workplace.
“HIQA are failing in their statutory remit to investigate and resolve issues when they arise locally. Given the scale and the nature of what was exposed last night, it is crucial that we examine in detail the procedures and potential gaps within HIQA to address these urgently. The PAC could work constructively with HIQA representatives on this.
“Accountability is crucial, but so too is ensuring procedures and processes are in place to protect the vulnerable in our society. It’s vital that we have the highest standards of care for older people. HIQA have a fundamental role to play in ensuring this happens.”