‘Charity not to blame for HIQA report’

BRASSIL BLAMES LACK OF FUNDING FOR PARENTS & FRIENDS HIQA REPORT

FAMILIES in Kerry are ‘on their knees’ as the HSE continually fails to provide adequate planning, investment and commitment in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities with sufficient quality respite care - the real reason behind last week’s HIQA report critical of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association services according to one Kerry TD.

Fianna Fáil Deputy John Brassil defended the quality of the KPFA’s services this week after HIQA last week highlighted safety shortcomings at a number of care homes operated by the charity in the Killarney area.

That report was in no way critical of the care given by staff, finding that clients enjoyed a good relationship with their professional care givers in the KPFA.

“The issue lies with the lack of capital funding and for ongoing running costs. The recent case of Ben Lawless and his family in Castleisland, a family who are fighting on their knees for supports, highlights the lack of planning, investment and commitment by the HSE to ensure that people with disabilities and their families are provided with appropriate, quality supports,” Deputy Brassil said.

”HIQA are strict in their criteria but rightly so, the care provided to people with disabilities should adhere to proper standards and ensure that their needs in care are met, but with all the will in the world these service providers cannot continue to maintain high standards without the equivalent funding to do so,” Deputy Brassil added, urging the HSE to provide adequate funding at local level.