Care standards sought for those with disabilities

A national organisation representing people with an intellectual disability will today call for an inspection regime to protect them in residential institutions.

Inclusion Ireland chief executive Deirdre Carroll will be tell the Oireachtas Health Committee of the need for standards and independent inspection in residential institutions for people with an intellectual disability.

Residential institutions for people with disabilities are not inspected, and there are no national care standards applicable, Inclusion Ireland said. Ms Carroll said those with a disability are at risk of neglect and abuse.

In December 2007 a report was published into the abuse of adults and children with an intellectual disability in a service in Galway for 33 years. There are still no standards in place, according to the umbrella group for people with intellectual disabilities.

“Inclusion Ireland is aware of many excellent services providing good quality care to people with disabilities, but through our work we are also aware of cases of neglect, poor standards, bad practice and abuse,” Ms Carroll said.

Inclusion officials are appearing before the Oireachtas Health Committee to seek its support in ensuring standards are introduced into residential institutions for people with an intellectual disability.

The Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) will also appear before the committee. The HIQA has published draft standards, which have gone out for public consultation.

These standards were due to be implemented in early 2009, but Inclusion Ireland said it fears these will be halted due to budgetary constraints.