The allegations of rape of a nursing home resident by a health care worker and sexual assault of other residents by the same person were “hugely distressing and shocking,” said the Taoiseach, reports Breaking News.
Leo Varadkar said it was something that “strikes terror into the heart of anyone living in a nursing home” as well as their families.
Mr Varadkar told the DAI on Wednesday: “These are supposed to be safe places. They almost always are safe places. But in this case that clearly was not the case. We can only at this time unreservedly apologise, condemn what happened, and do all we can to ensure that safeguarding for all people in alternative care is at the highest level possible,” reports Breaking News.
He said a safety expert would be hired from abroad to help the government improve the quality of care in nursing homes.
A medical assistant named “Mr Z” was reportedly sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a resident, known only as Emily, but a review found earlier charges against him had not been pursued.
RTÉ reported that Mr. Z’s criminal behavior was only brought to light through the cognitive clarity, emotional strength and courage of Emily, who passed away in 2021.
Vivian Gairan, chair of the National Association of Social Workers, said a “a massive response” was needed – starting at the political level.
There has been a “real problem” in recognizing and reporting abuses in care facilities, Radio RTÉ News at One told Radio. “What it boils down to is ageism.”
They use the system’s inadequacies to enable them to carry out their abuse. And clearly, most people who are in care settings, are very well cared for. But the numbers we’ve seen over the years, both in terms of the details emerging and the Emily case and previous reports like the Brandon Report are less attractive and are really concerning and the time has come. It’s past the time to be complaining about it. Government and others really need to act in terms of legislation on making appropriate structural changes,” reports Breaking News.
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