Significant risks to the health, safety and well-being of residents at disability centres have been found by the Health watchdog following inspections earlier this year.

In one centre in Donegal, HIQA found that allegations of abuse weren't being reported or investigated - meaning vulnerable adults weren't protected.

Inclusion Ireland says the Government hasn't invested appropriately in moving people out of institutional settings.

Juliette Gash reports;

All of today’s reports relate to centres which are provided by the Health Service Executive. During nine of these inspections, it was found that, in general, the provider was ensuring good levels of compliance and there was a focus on promoting the quality of life of residents. 

However, significant risks to the health, safety and well-being of residents were found in nine centres.

In a respite service in the North West there were significant safeguarding concerns. Inspectors found that allegations of abuse had not been appropriately reported or investigated in accordance with national safeguarding policies or procedures. Vulnerable residents were not being adequately protected as a result. In total, 11 major non-compliances were identified out of the 18 outcomes inspected.

The report for another centre in the North West also highlights safeguarding concerns and poor levels of compliance. The report found there were inadequate governance and management arrangements, as there had been four changes to the person in charge of the centre in the previous four months. All five outcomes inspected against were found to have major non-compliances. Inspectors also found that the premises were not fit for purpose, and were institutional in design.