Why do we tolerate this appalling abuse?

It was inevitable that the shocking abuse of residents uncovered at Áras Attracta in Swinford, a care home for adults with intellectual disabilities, was not an isolated case.

It is tragic to have to acknowledge that, in these circumstances, human cruelty is a universal failing made possible by ineffective supervision.

By looking the other way, by not insisting that managers who fail on this scale are sacked, we continue to facilitate criminal barbarism.

It is unlikely either that the HSE announcement on Thursday that 10 members of staff and one agency worker have been taken off duty at two care units for people with intellectual disabilities near Roscrea, Co Tipperary, will be the last time such a procedure is invoked.

Though the principles of due process must be observed the other standard response — there’s no smoke without fire — is so reliable that a comprehensive, unflinching investigation — unannounced — of all residential homes for people with intellectual disabilities must be a priority.

It would be more reassuring if this was carried out by an agency unconnected with the system that has so patently failed the vulnerable in Mayo and, possibly, in Tipperary.

This second set of allegations will infuriate the majority of care workers who are beyond reproach and cause great anxiety to the families of those entrusted to our health services.

The situation demands the firmest response.