Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has expressed serious concern at the findings by HIQA regarding poor practices, poor management of safeguarding incidents, poor staffing arrangements and poor behavioural support for residents at Sunbeam House, a residential care home for people with intellectual disabilities.

Teachta Cullinane said that a failure to meet standards and ensure resident safety was unfortunately far too common in certain parts of the residential care sector, despite efforts from most providers to ensure high quality services.

The TD for Waterford said that this report from HIQA again highlights the need for serious safeguarding reform, including an adult safeguarding act and new powers for safeguarding teams.

He called on the government to establish a Safeguarding Authority, to implement an Adult Safeguarding Act, and to ensure a legal right of entry for safeguarding and social work teams with the capacity to effectively oversee implementation of the legislation and adherence to human rights standards.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“The revelations today of poor practices at Sunbeam House are another reminder that the State is failing people in care and people with disabilities, particularly people with intellectual disabilities who often seem to be forgotten about by government.

“In the last few years, we have heard stories of serious trauma, neglect, abuse, and failings at some care homes across the State, including several HSE centres. I am thinking in particular of the Brandon case and incidents reported over the summer at a HSE facility.

“The government has, for a decade now, recognised the need for adult safeguarding legislation. It is once again on the legislative programme, but once again it is at the bottom of the Department of Health’s list and it is not included as a priority bill for drafting.

“The government should establish a Safeguarding Authority, implement an Adult Safeguarding Act, and ensure a legal right of entry for safeguarding and social work teams with the capacity to effectively oversee implementation of the legislation and adherence to human rights standards.

“Former Senator Colette Kelleher and several experts published an Adult Safeguarding Bill back in 2017. I intend to raise this legislation again in the Dáil, and I will be reaching out to the Minister to work with me on advancing this key piece of legislation to improve rights, standards, and enforcement powers to better protect adults who are at risk of abuse, coercion, or neglect.”