“Criminal Offence” To Ignore HIQA Sanctions, Says Nursing Home Advocate Amid Latest Crisis

Friday, 6 June 2025 13:20

By Martin Osborne

Speaking to Kfm, Shane Scanlan, CEO of the Alliance for Supporting Nursing homes, said there also needs to be an immediate "root and branch review" into HIQA's response to the latest scandal to hit nursing homes run by Emeis Ireland.

It's been claimed that HIQA is not fit for purpose.

That's after Kieran O'Donnell – Junior Minister with responsibility for older people - last night said the regulatory body is fit for purpose.

He said he never wants to see a repeat of what happened at The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor nursing homes.

Speaking to Kfm, Shane Scanlan, CEO of the Alliance for Supporting Nursing homes, said there needs to be an immediate "root and branch review" into HIQA's response to the latest scandal to hit nursing homes run by Emeis Ireland.

The company provides over 2000 nursing home beds in Ireland.

It also operates five nursing home in Kildare.

Scanlan said he also thinks there should be prosecutions, claiming that sanctions imposed by HIQA at one of the nursing homes run by Emeis Ireland were "ignored".

He said going against such sanctions is a "criminal offence".

In a statement, Emeis Ireland apologised "unequivocally to all residents and their families for the suffering and distress experienced as a result of failures identified in the care provided."

It added: "We recognise and deeply regret the breach of trust that has occurred in relation to the service standards we promise, and for any failure to uphold the dignity of some residents at all times. These lapses fall short of the values and standards we set for ourselves as an organisation."

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