Abuse of residents is an unacceptable situation

THE recent revelations by RTÉ of shocking levels of abuse of residents of a Co Mayo home for adults with intellectual disabilities was, at the very least, unnerving. 

Subsequent revelations around a home in Tipperary added to the growing concern about the sector.

Yesterday’s very critical HIQA report on the Cork COPE Foundation must add to that concern.

It will certainly add momentum to the demands for a thorough, hard-nosed review of the services provided for people with intellectual difficulties and their families.

HIQA carried out an unannounced inspection in early November and was so alarmed that it has ordered that no further admissions be accepted until a series of issues, primarily around staff numbers and skills, are resolved.

Caring for adults with intellectual difficulties is very difficult, challenging work and though there is no suggestion that abuse like that seen at Áras Attracta was uncovered, it is worrying that an institution held in such high regard for so long should be so criticised.

Everyone involved knows this is unacceptable and a solution must be found immediately.