HSE was told of risk to disabled adult in foster care - Tusla

Child and family agency Tusla says it told the HSE about the risk faced by a young disabled adult in foster care 19 months before the person was removed from the setting.

Tusla interim chief operating officer Jim Gibson said the agency had approached the HSE about the case in 2013.

He was speaking to RTÉ following revelations a person with intellectual disabilities was left in a foster home after allegations of sexual abuse were raised about a foster carer by a relative.

When alerted to the allegations, Tusla removed two foster children from the home, but the 19-year-old person remained in the setting.

The young person, identified by the HSE as “Client B”, had been living in the foster home in the Cork-Kerry area since 2003.

Mr Gibson said Tusla had, in 2013, alerted the HSE that the young person in question was “ageing out of our service” and offered their assistance and guidance.

Client B was removed in February this year after the concerns of sexual abuse were raised with the HSE Safeguarding and Protection Team. Client B was not alleged to be the victim of abuse.

Mr Gibson said Tusla notified the HSE of the abuse allegations against the carer when they moved the two foster children.

The HSE disputed aspects of Mr Gibson’s account but declined to provide specifics. In a statement, a HSE spokesman said: “No allegation of abuse has been made relating to ‘Client B’.

“The allegation of sexual abuse against the carer by an extended family member was made initially to [Tusla].”

In a statement, Minister of State for Disability Finian McGrath said he is expecting a detailed briefing from the HSE shortly. Mr McGrath said he Minister for Health Simon Harris “will examine the report before commenting on this sensitive matter”.