via Inclusion Ireland Dear disability support groups The media this week has been showing the very poor practices in some residential services for people with a disability. This has shocked us all. This link leads to some of the organisations that you can talk to or your family member with a disability can talk to inclusionireland.ie/content/page/rte-prime-time-investigates-tuesday-9th-december-2014 A number of groups and individuals have asked what can they do. People can write to their local TD, senator, councillor, Minister Lynch or Minister Varadkar. There are a number of specific tasks that government can do to decrease the likelihood of these awful events occurring again. · Establish a robust Commission of Investigation. The current proposed investigation is headed up by a person who is paid from HSE funds. This is not true independence. There must be a true independent investigation into what has occurred in Aras Attracta. · Appoint a confidential recipient. This will allow people with a disability, families and staff in services to report suspected abuse without fear. Present arrangements are not satisfactory. · Commence the Citizens Information Act 2007. At present the National Advocacy Service (NAS) does not have statutory powers. Residential services do not have to cooperate with the NAS. Advocates with statutory powers can meet with and be a voice for people living in residential services. · Dedicate 10% of the Disability Budget to personal budgets. This will allow people with a disability to have greater control over the services they experience. This offers greater transparency and person centeredness with a reduced risk of abuse. · Pass the Capacity Bill 2013. The government must make the passing of this legislation a priority. People will have greater control around making their own decisions. In instances where support is needed the person will get this support. This will replace the archaic ‘ward of court system’. I would ask that you encourage your members to copy this information into a letter and write to their local TD, councillor, senator and the two ministers. People power can bring about these changes that will help to improve the services that people with a disability experience. These asks of government are to enact legislation that has already been passed or in the process, redirect how money on services is spent, give whistleblowers a point of contact and conduct and independent investigation. Kindest regards
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 10:30:00 +0000
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