Louth Aontú rep calls for MOU between An Garda Síochána and HIQA

The absence of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with An Garda Síochána and HIQA on the care of vulnerable people in care settings, underscores a deep systemic failure, according to Aontú Louth Rep, Michael O’ Dowd, who said he is a longtime advocate for the rights of people with additional needs. 

Mr Ó'Dowd said that “despite being first mooted nearly seven years ago, no agreement has ever been signed. What is obvious is that this has not been treated as a priority by either organisation. 

"This is a disgrace and is a terrible reflection on the way people who have an inalienable right to care, protection and respect continue to be treated." 

He continued: "Vulnerable people remain caught in the middle of a system where neither HIQA nor the Gardaí has shown urgency in safeguarding their rights. HIQA now says an agreement is expected “in the coming months” but similar assurances have been made for years. 

"In that time, vulnerable people have remained exposed due to the absence of any formal framework for cooperation between the health regulator and the Gardaí.

"HIQA reports continue to reveal training gaps and governance lapses with no mandatory legal sanctions or requirements to address them. This is almost unbelievable. There is no accountability whatsoever.

"The most recent report by HIQA (7th August) shows inspection reports on residential settings, highlighting issues with staffing, training, governance, and patient safety in several care homes.

"These reports are not assurances, they are warnings. And yet, our most vulnerable still have no guarantee they will be shielded in future.

"The RTE expose laid bare the reality; it showed the shocking way some residential care settings treat the people entrusted to their care. People were appalled and disgusted, and promises were made that no stone would be left unturned in a bid to ensure that this would act as a clarion call for decisive action for once and for all. 

"We now need this outcry and justifiable anger to act as a catalyst for change. There needs to be urgent and strong safeguards put in place as a matter of priority.

"We need the immediate finalisation and publication of a Memorandum of Understanding between HIQA and An Garda Síochána this is overdue for far too long. We also need Statutory standards for training and qualifications in all care settings, with legal enforcement and real consequences for non-compliance."