Lack of inspections leaves thousands in care vulnerable to abuse - groups

DISABILITY GROUPS: DISABILITY GROUPS have warned that hundreds of children and thousands of adults in residential care are vulnerable to abuse because of the Government's refusal to introduce independent inspections or care standards in the sector.

At least 400 children are in residential centres. A further 28,000 adults are in residential settings which are not subject to standards or inspections.

Independent inspections and standards for such residential centres have been discussed at Government level for the past decade.

However, last week the Minister of State for disability John Moloney announced he did not have the funds to implement the plans.

Carl O'Brien The Irish TImes 23rd May 2009. Link [Expires after one year]