Pringle calls for more HSE transparency over Donegal centre 

The  Health Service Executive's failure to publish the findings of investigations into a centre for disabled adults in Donegal is eroding public faith in its ability to run such services, Donegal TD Thomas Pringle has said.

The Independent TD was speaking following reports that a follow-up probe into Ard Greine Court in Stranorlar has been published internally by the HSE.

Last year an executive summary of the so-called Brandon report revealed 108 incidents of sexual abuse were carried out against at least 18 intellectually disabled residents at the facility between 2003 and 2016. 

The report found the abuse was carried out with the “full knowledge” of management. It said a lack of external management oversight and leadership from the Health Service Executive allowed the abuse to continue and escalate.

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The HSE has not published the full report despite repeated calls. 

Earlier this year the Health Information Quality Agency (Hiqa)  questioned the Health Service Executive's fitness as a registered provider of centres for people with disabilities in the north-west.

Mr Pringle, who first raised concerns about Ard Greine Court in the Dáil, said the latest report should be published along with the Brandon report.

“I don’t think anybody knew that this report has been done. This report needs to be made public and the Brandon report needs to be made public by the HSE. I think it is the only way to restore confidence in the HSE that they are able to deal properly with incidents like this. 

“I believe this is protecting the HSE. How can we have any faith that things have changed and things are going to be done properly into the future if the HSE won't admit publicly what has happened.”