Sinn Féin calls for independent inquiry into care homes
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that people with intellectual disabilities must have the protection of the State.
It comes as health watchdog HIQA this week published a damning report on the Redwood Extended Care Centre in Co Meath.
It found a high number of frequent and intensive physical interventions and restrictive measures were used there on a regular basis.
Gerry Adams says he raised the issue of conditions for patients at the facility last July with the then Health Minister James Reilly.
He said that Sinn Féin will continue to raise the issue in the Dáil until he is satisfied that it is being dealt with.
"Well we have called and I asked the Taoiseach this very directly for an inquiry into the treatment of citizens," he said.
"And I use the word citizens very, very advisedly. Any of us could end up in these situations and these are citizens, some of them with disabilities, intellectual or other disabilities, and they need the protection of the State."
