Eleven inquiries into Áras Attracta found over 150 failings

Over 150 recommendations have been made to improve the scandal-hit nursing home Áras Attracta, following 11 inquiries into failings at the facility, according to the head of an independent review body.

Dr Kevin McCoy, a consultant and former member of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, addressed the Inclusion Ireland AGM in Dublin yesterday.

He told the MoS: ‘What we are faced with is that from the beginning of 2014, there are 11 reports done on the facility and in excess of 150 recommendations.

‘Part of our task is to see how far those recommendations have been implemented.’

Dr McCoy and his team have met residents’ families and have held six meetings with Áras Attracta staff.

He added: ‘Another output from us will be a Good Practice Guide towards the end of the year, not just for Áras Attracta. It will absolutely have national ramifications. That will be a positive piece of work.’

Following the Áras Attracta revelations, the HSe appointed disability advocate Leigh Gath as the first Confidential recipient for Disabilities. She also addressed the meeting yesterday.

She told the MoS: ‘To the end of March, we have 15 concerns that turned into cases needing examination. eight were settled to the satisfaction of the people, one was passed on to the gardaí and six are ongoing.

‘We are busy every day. There is a sense that things are happening. The majority of HSe staff are good people. Managers have contacted me looking for posters about this service to put up in their centres, to give residents an opportunity speak out,’ she said.