We urgently need a register for carers

Most people were horrified and upset by the abuse of intellectually disabled people that was uncovered at the care home in County Mayo, and by the torrent of similar abuse that has since emerged. The HSE has an awful lot to answer for.

HIQA have not acted expediently, either.

It should not have been left up to journalists to expose what was going on. A register of properly qualified carers, similar to that for nurses, needs to be set up. If carers are treated as professionals, only then can we guarantee professional conduct and appropriate monitoring of standards.