Summit to discuss abuse allegations at Aras Attracta

The HSE will host a "national summit for disabilities" today, at which senior personnel will outline the measures that have been taken to address the evidence of alleged abuse at Aras Attracta in Swinford, Co Mayo.

Minister of State with responsibility for Primary and Social Care Kathleen Lynch will also address the summit at Dublin's Aviva Stadium along with representatives from Department of Health and the Health Information and Quality Authority.

This evening, senior HSE officials are appearing before a Dáil Committee to discuss the treatment of people with intellectual disabilities in care centres.

Chairman of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer, says it is important to restore trust in care services.

"We must ensure that changes will be made to ensure that the required standards of care can be given to people,

"Secondly that steps are taken to restore the trust amongst the wider public, and the families and those who need and use the facilities, and thirdly with wider society in how services are being provided in residential care settings."

He added: "Our committee are looking at the whole issue of intellectual disability; the meeting today is a first step on our discussion and on our piece of work around the issue of intellectual disability.

"We very much welcome the fact that the HSE have issued an apology and have promised an investigation [will] take place - but we as the committee… [are] charged with holding the HSE to account believe it's the first of a focused review of the treatment in congregated settings that will take place."