Four more staff under investigation at Áras Attracta

The HSE has confirmed four more staff members at the Áras Attracta care home in Co Mayo are being investigated in the wake of abuse allegations.

Initially, 14 employees were suspended on full pay pending the outcome of an investigation started after a TV documentary which purported to show scenes of abuse at the HSE-run facility in Swinford.

It is not known if the four individuals in question have been suspended, and a spokeswoman for the HSE would not disclose whether they were employed on a full-time or contract basis.

The RTÉ Prime Time Investigates documentary late last year reported instances of slapping, kicking, force-feeding and emotional abuse directed at vulnerable female residents.

The accusations primarily centred around events which took place in bungalow three at Áras Attracta. Six staff members were later charged with assault in connection with the alleged incidents, and Minister of State for Primary Care Kathleen Lynch said she was "shocked and distressed" by the footage.

A further employee was suspended last month and a contract worker was let go.

Following the broadcast, the HSE instituted the Trust in Care investigation, which is currently being headed by Christy Lynch, chief executive of the KARE disability group in Co Kildare.

In a statement, the HSE sought to assure families that the latest developments in the investigation process will not adversely affect services at Áras Attracta.

“As part of the ongoing Trust in Care investigation into Áras Attracta and following viewing of the Prime Time Investigates footage by the investigation team, a number of additional staff will now form part of the Trust in Care investigation,” it said.

“The HSE wishes to reassure families and residents that plans are in place to ensure that there is no disruption in service to residents.”

Meanwhile, Siptu has called for a review into how such investigations are conducted after eight members of staff at St Anne’s Centre in Tipperary were cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to accusations of abuse.

Union organiser Mark Lohan also questioned the use of administrative leave by management at St Anne’s, which caters for people with intellectual disabilities.

“We have written to the management of the St Anne’s Centre asking that it review the use of administrative leave in such circumstances,” said Mr Lohan, adding that those accused had been put through a “difficult and traumatic” eight months.

“Management has also been asked to examine its policy on commissioning and executing Trust in Care investigations, with a view to ensuring they are conducted in as reasonable a time as possible,” he said.

Siptu representatives are expected to meet management at the centre in the coming future.