Irregularities in bank account of service users in St. Joseph’s Intellectual Disability Services extremely worrying – Farrell

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has said claims of irregularities in the bank accounts of patients of St. Joseph’s Intellectual Disability Services in Portrane are incredibly worrying, with reports stating that up to €50,000 could be missing.
“It is incredibly worrying that service users in St. Joseph’s Intellectual Disability Services in Portrane may have had their bank accounts targeted. I understand that investigations into this matter are now being undertaken by An Garda Síochána and the HSE.
“The fact that vulnerable members of our community could be targeted in such a manner, by somebody who has a duty of care for them, is alarming. The HSE must take urgent action to protect service users in St. Joseph’s Intellectual Disability Services, and all other health facilities in Dublin Fingal, and across the country.
“I have previously raised concerns regarding St. Joseph’s Intellectual Disability Services given the fact that some of the accommodation provided by the service was found to be in a poor condition, and the staff shortages which have impacted on the work of St. Joseph’s.
“The HSE have a responsibility, and a duty of care, to the service users in St. Joseph’s Intellectual Disability Services in Portrane. As such, I would hope that both their investigation, and that of An Garda Síochána, are completed as a matter of urgency, and that action is taken to right any wrong which may have been committed against patients.
“The issues which have plagued St. Joseph’s Intellectual Disability Services in Portrane in recent times are wholly unacceptable. It appears that once action is taken by the HSE to resolve one matter, another issue comes to light.
“I believe the HSE must be answerable for all issues regarding the care provided to service users. Should current reports prove to be true, the HSE must also be held accountable for failing to adequately protect vulnerable members of our community who are in their care.”