Government must restore trust in nursing home care
Government must restore trust in nursing home care - The Labour Party
- Residents deserve safety and dignity
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has demanded immediate Government action to overhaul Ireland’s nursing home inspection system after the Taoiseach gave what she described as a wholly inadequate response in the Dáil today to shocking revelations about allegations of abuse in private nursing homes. Speaking following the release of HIQA’s interim report last night and the Health Committee hearing this morning, Deputy Bacik said the time for excuses is over — legislation must be brought forward before the summer recess to ensure proper safeguarding and accountability.
Deputy Bacik said:
“Almost 200 allegations of abuse at Beneavin Manor since 2022 and 40 more at the Residence in Portlaoise — these are horrifying numbers that should shake this House and the public to its core. People expect and deserve more than vague promises and spin. They want clear answers, serious accountability, and urgent reform.
“The presentations from HIQA’s CEO and Chief Inspector at the Health Committee today raised more questions than they answered. It is unacceptable that the process for escalating complaints remains so murky, and that restricting admissions appears to be the only lever available short of a Garda referral. How does that protect residents already living in fear?
“Deputy Marie Sherlock has shown that HIQA was on notice before the RTÉ Investigates broadcast – with detailed protected disclosures and direct correspondence from Aoife Hegarty – yet this was downplayed in the report. This is deeply concerning and undermines trust in the inspection regime.
“Every person in Ireland should feel confident that their loved ones will be treated with dignity and respect if they enter nursing home care. Sadly, the grim reality exposed by RTÉ shows that many private, for-profit facilities are failing that basic test. Anyone who has looked for a place knows you do everything you can to get into an HSE-run home because word of mouth about private care is so grim.
“The Taoiseach’s weak response today fell far short of what is needed. We need robust safeguarding legislation, tougher enforcement powers for HIQA, and full resourcing to protect vulnerable residents.
“This scandal must be a turning point. People must see action, not excuses. The Government must introduce comprehensive safeguarding reforms before the summer and ensure HIQA has the teeth and resources it needs to do its job properly.”