Grace files: HSE and Tusla staff face sack for scandal

Five senior HSE officials and six more Tusla employees directly involved in the Grace foster abuse scandal are set to be the subject of disciplinary investigations which could potentially result in their sackings.

However, the HSE has admitted it may be powerless to take any action against up to 40 people who have already retired or left the system while it has been heavily criticised for only starting disciplinary action now and for allowing individuals to remain in their positions while inquiries take place.

Speaking at the launch of the 2012 Devine and 2015 Resilience Ireland reports into severe abuse at a foster home in the South-East between 1983 and 2013, HSE head of operations for disability services Dr Cathal Morgan and assistant national HR director Tess O’Donovan said action can now be taken against those involved.