Varadkar: Footage of care centre abuse like a horror film
Health Minister Leo Varadkar said the footage which exposed the abuse at Áras Attracta was like watching a horror movie.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he would await the outcome of three inquiries into the abuse of residents there.
He said the abuse was frightening and sickening.
The CEOs of care services will be brought together next week for a meeting on conditions and the care of residents in other homes, he told the Dáil.
Speaking about the undercover footage taken by RTÉ’s investigations unit, he said: “It was not an example of care but an example of control of fragile, vulnerable, and voiceless people. I found it absolutely sickening.”
However, Mr Kenny also said that it could not be guaranteed that similar abuse might not occur in other facilities.
“What do we have to do to ensure families and particularly the individuals concerned are not being treated in the inhuman way that we saw on television screens yesterday. I have to say I found it traumatic to see people who are completely voiceless and helpless being treated in this fashion.
“This is just not acceptable. It has got to be dealt with and it will be dealt with.”
The leaders of the opposition parties both pushed for independent investigations.
Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin said there had been a “violation of human rights” at the home. Assurances were needed it was not happening elsewhere, he said.
“There is a compelling need for an independent inquiry. One could be established that would not jeopardise any criminal proceedings,” said Mr Martin.
Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams also called for a root and branch inquiry: “These are the most vulnerable citizens in this society. They and their families depend on us. We have to respond appropriately.”
Mr Kenny said the outcome of three investigations, including by the gardaí and health chiefs, would determine if a further independent one was needed.
“I do not rule it out, but we need to conclude what is under way at the moment in terms of these investigations so we can see what happens.”
Mr Varadkar said: “The problem for me was that it wasn’t a horror movie. It was real.”
