'Gruesome' report into sexual abuse at HSE-run facilities outlines failure of staff to intervene

'Since I’ve taken up this role in 2019 this has been one of the most repulsive reports I’ve read,  and one of the most gruesome reports I’ve had to read in my career,' said HSE CEO Paul Reid. Picture: Leah Farrell/Photocall

Intellectually disabled adults suffered “sustained sexual abuse” by another resident at HSE-run facilities over at least 13 years and despite management knowing, “no effective action” was taken to stop “highly traumatic assaults”.

State failures to protect these vulnerable people are outlined in a summary of the "gruesome" National Independent Review Panel’s Brandon Report, about sexual abuse at a centre for adults with intellectual disabilities run by St Joseph’s Hospital in Stranorlar, Co Donegal.