merrion street

Following on from recent media reports and public concern expressed about services for people with a disability provided by or funded by the HSE, Ministers Finian McGrath and Simon Harris met with senior officials from the HSE today.

The Ministers held a frank and open discussion with HSE officials about the serious concerns they have regarding both recent and historical issues about the care by the State of vulnerable people with a disability.

The HSE reiterated their previous public statements to the Public Accounts Committee acknowledging significant service and management failings over a number of years in respect of citizens with a disability and their families who trusted the State to prioritise their additional needs.

The Ministers discussed with the HSE the range of measures which are being implemented and progressed in recent years to improve these matters. The Ministers also emphasised the need for the public to be made more aware of the independent bodies to whom they can bring their concerns.

Minister McGrath said "I am personally determined that priority should be attached to the proper protection of people with a disability in the care of the State. Furthermore, I am determined that historical issues will be comprehensively examined and addressed.”

Minister McGrath will discuss the matter further in the Dáil on Wednesday 20th July.