Corrigan stresses the need for Inspectorate in residential care for intellectually disabled adults

Maria Corrigan, Dublin Fianna Fáil Senator and Principal Psychologist, says there is a need for an Inspectorate to be established in all residential accommodation for adults with an intellectual disability.

Following media reports today detailing the treatment that some people have experienced while in residential care, Senator Corrigan said, “This is an issue I have been campaigning on for some time. It is a huge concern and it must be tackled immediately.”

Senator Corrigan recently spoke in the Seanad where she expressed her concern that residential accommodation for adults with intellectual disabilities is exempt from inspection.

“I was informed that due to the economic situation, it will take a little longer for inspections of accommodation for adults with intellectual disabilities to be organised,” said Senator Corrigan.

“While I welcome the progress made with regard to the establishment of an Inspectorate for children with intellectual disabilities and Minister John Moloney’s commitment in this area, it is vital that we ensure the same service is applied to adults with intellectual disabilities without delay. These people are vulnerable and it is our duty to fully protect them.”

Senator Corrigan continued, “I don’t think it’s acceptable that we can debate issues raised in the Ryan and Monageer reports and speak about the vulnerable people who were abused in the past when it is within our capacity now to ensure such abuse does not happen again.”

“Establishing an Inspectorate is just the first of many steps that must be taken. It is now of pressing urgency that the Capacity Legislation is brought before the Oireachtas to ensure that each individual can take their place in society as equals.”

“The new legislation would presume that a person had capacity and the person wouldn’t be treated as unable to make a decision unless all practicable steps to help that person make a decision had been taken without success.”

“We must take the necessary steps now. I appreciate these are difficult economic times but we do not want to look back in twenty years with regret that we did not make these changes,” added Senator Corrigan.

ENDS