We must do all we can to protect the vulnerable in our care

Learning lessons from the ‘Grace’ case will have a positive impact on service provision for vulnerable people in our care, writes Finian McGrath

Last week, I was very happy to be in a position to publish the Dignam Report which examines the care of individuals with a disability in a foster home in the South-East.

In his report, Mr Dignam delivered exactly what he was asked and did an excellent job.

However, it should be noted that the substantive matters relating to the alleged abuse of ‘Grace’ (a pseudonym for the young woman at the centre of the allegations) were outside the scope of his report.

As I read through the document, there was one recurring thought in my mind — that whilst this report is necessary and vital, it is not about ‘Grace’ or the other vulnerable individuals who passed through the foster home, but rather about procedures and practices of the HSE.

When I assumed the role of Government Minister with Responsibility for People with Disabilities, my personal priority was to represent vulnerable adults and children who experience intellectual and/or physical disabilities, and their families.

I’m a parent of a young adult with an intellectual disability and it is my privilege to be my daughter’s father. She brings joy and love into my life and she is overflowing with ‘abilities’.

Evidence to PAC on ‘Grace’ inaccurate https://t.co/kbcx5AU5BP via @McConnellDaniel @Ocionnaith (GM) pic.twitter.com/rC3ULJIB9C

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 4, 2016

I know that this reciprocated love is shared in homes throughout Ireland. In saying all that, for many people living with disabilities, and for their parents and families, there is a life full of daily struggle.

Since the publication of the Dignam Report, I’ve often been asked the question, whether vulnerable people with disabilities living in the care of the State are in safe and nurturing environments today.

I believe that when it comes to safeguarding our vulnerable we can never say we have arrived at the point where our work is done, but there have been a number of significant improvements and they continue.

As regards nurturing environments, there are still people experiencing institutional living where they lack basic privacy and dignity. Whilst visiting institutional settings, I have frequently been called aside by residents who highlight how their individual autonomy and independence (including the freedom to make their own choices) are not respected: ‘This is my home sir, I’m a grown adult and I’m put to bed every night at 8.30pm……..can I not stay up till 10.00pm?’ ‘Can I have my own telly, I like films?’ ‘Do you think I could have my own room even for a holiday?’

These people are equal citizens. They shouldn’t have to ask for their dignity in their own homes, or live in a ward with a curtain for privacy, or go to bed according to staff rosters. This is their life and their home not their workplace.

They deserve a more fulfilling life, being facilitated to spend time doing the things they like or are interested in, and enjoying a life where their potential can be realised. As a society we need to think of the kind of future we want for our vulnerable members.

Respect for vulnerable people with disabilities and ensuring their protection while in care is the context in which I see the forthcoming Commission of Investigation into the care of Individuals with a Disability in a Foster Home in the South East and the role of relevant public bodies in this matter.

‘Grace’ officials can’t be removed from their posts https://t.co/Yt2PAAFndd via @Elaine_Loughlin @Ocionnaith (GM) pic.twitter.com/a9sQ12EaGE

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) November 3, 2016

We owe it to ‘Grace’, all the individuals who passed through this home and their families, to find out the truth.

Following a decision by Government, that a statutory Commission of Investigation would be established into the substantive issues around care of individuals in this particular foster home.

Mr Dignam was further asked to make recommendations about issues which should be considered for inclusion in the Terms of Reference for the Commission. These Terms of Reference will be brought to cabinet and the Oireachtas shortly. I am confident that the impending Commission of Investigation will deliver the truth of what happened in this foster home and how these matters were dealt with subsequently.

I will ensure that the learning from this particular case will have a positive impact on service provision for vulnerable people with disabilities in our care.

Finian McGrath is an Independent Alliance TD for Dublin Bay North and junior health minister with responsibility for disabilities.