IPA welcomes Minister's pledge to begin independent audits

The Irish Patients Association has today welcomed a commitment by the Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability Services Kathleen Lynch to begin independent audits of residences for people with intellectual disabilities within 18 months.

Minister Lynch has begun discussions with the Health Information and Quality Authority to ensure that care services are inspected.

It follows a 'Prime Time' report last night into resident services for people with intellectual disabilities which found inadequacies such as a lack of access to therapies and overmedication.

"We want to see what the Minister’s action plan is, and what the priorities are in the coming 18 months to ensure that there are minimum risks to these patients," cautioned Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients Association.