The Daily Star Ireland
A nursing home in Portlaoise operated by Emeis Ireland admitted residents despite an active restriction on admissions imposed by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), according to recent findings by RTÉ Investigates. The restriction, which followed a February inspection, was formally enforced on 22 April 2024. However, evidence indicates that admissions continued beyond this date, including during a period when RTÉ Investigates had placed an undercover healthcare assistant at the facility.
HIQA had initially alerted the provider to its intention to halt new admissions in February, issuing a formal notice in March. Despite this clear timeline, several new residents were admitted in late April, directly contravening the enforced measure. Emeis Ireland has been contacted for a response but has not provided comment.
Nationwide Review of Emeis Facilities and Broader Failures Exposed
The breach comes in the wake of wider concerns regarding standards of care at nursing homes managed by Emeis Ireland. Following revelations aired by RTÉ Investigates, HIQA confirmed that it had launched a full review of all facilities operated by the group. The investigation uncovered serious lapses in care and instances of neglect at both The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, north Dublin—both under the management of Emeis Ireland.
In response to the findings, HIQA stated that the care practices observed were wholly unacceptable. It confirmed that the Chief Inspector had initiated escalated regulatory measures at the homes featured in the programme. HIQA reiterated its commitment to taking further action where necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.
The Department of Health has also taken notice. At the request of the Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell, HIQA began a formal review of all nursing homes operated by the Emeis group. HIQA declined to comment further on the ongoing process to avoid compromising its integrity.
Calls for Reform and Legislative Action Intensify
Public and professional reaction to the exposé has been strong. Former INMO General Secretary Liam Doran expressed deep frustration at the state of elder care in Ireland, criticizing the country’s reliance on a profit-driven private care model. Speaking on national radio, he called for stronger legislation to underpin care standards, warning that the current system allows for repeat failures like those previously seen at Leas Cross in 2005.
Doran also challenged official claims that over 87% of nursing homes meet regulatory standards, questioning the basis for such assessments and highlighting the need for more transparent and enforceable safeguards. He argued that HIQA’s enforcement abilities remain limited, with the State reluctant to act as the primary provider when private services are shut down.
In 2024, HIQA carried out 840 inspections of nursing homes across Ireland, most of which were unannounced. The agency clarified that although most homes undergo one to two inspections annually, facilities with persistent compliance issues are subjected to more frequent scrutiny. Thirty-six homes underwent three or more inspections last year due to repeated non-compliance. Ten homes had their registrations either cancelled or not renewed during the same period.
HIQA emphasized that while the majority of facilities offer high-quality care, a small segment continues to struggle with regulatory adherence. In cases where risk to residents is identified, the Chief Inspector has authority to suspend admissions or revoke registrations entirely. Nonetheless, the agency acknowledged the emotional and logistical impact of such actions on residents and families.
Political and Advocacy Responses Push for Urgent Reform
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that the government is working toward the introduction of a new policy on adult safeguarding, with draft legislation expected soon. He described the findings of the RTÉ programme as a catalyst for speeding up the legislative process. Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, he expressed confidence in HIQA’s role while recognizing that isolated failures in standards must be addressed promptly.
Minister Kieran O’Donnell, responsible for elder care, also met with HIQA following the broadcast. He urged the authority to intensify inspections and ensure that every available enforcement tool is used. O’Donnell reiterated the statistic that 87% of homes inspected are in compliance and announced his intention to present the national safeguarding policy to Cabinet before the summer break.
Meanwhile, SIPTU has called for immediate government intervention to secure adequate staffing levels in private nursing homes. The union pointed to chronic understaffing and low wages as key drivers of the issues exposed, arguing that the for-profit model has compromised care and worker morale. SIPTU has formally requested a meeting with Minister O’Donnell to discuss reforms.
Safeguarding Advocates Highlight Systemic Gaps
Patricia Rickard-Clark, Chairperson of Safeguarding Ireland, expressed alarm at the delay in HIQA’s response to concerns raised months prior by a nurse whistleblower. She stressed that even a single incident of abuse should prompt immediate investigation. Comparing the situation to the Leas Cross scandal, she warned that systemic issues remain unresolved two decades later.
Rickard-Clark called for the establishment of a dedicated working group to implement recommendations from the Law Reform Commission’s April 2024 report. This, she argued, would establish a legal framework beyond the current limited policies run by HSE safeguarding teams. She emphasized that HIQA, while critical in assessing systems, does not have the mandate to resolve individual complaints—a gap that must be addressed.
The government is now facing growing pressure to reform how elder care is regulated, funded, and delivered. Advocates, unions, and experts are demanding legislative backing, stronger enforcement, and a shift away from the current dependency on profit-led private operators. The situation continues to unfold as reviews and investigations proceed in response to public concern.
