An investigation has been launched by the HSE into abuse of intellectually disabled residents at a Mayo care home.
The shocking abuse carried out by some members of staff at Áras Attracta in Swinford was captured on camera by RTÉ's Investigation Unit and will be aired tonight in a Prime Time special entitled Inside Bungalow Three.
The disturbing footage shows three female residents being slapped, dragged across the floor and verbally abused, with one 53-year-old woman with severe intellectual disabilities seen being struck by a worker and later told "If you died Ivy, I wouldn’t bring you to the toilet". The care worker then tells others not to bring the woman to the bathroom either.
HSE National Director for Social Care Pat Healy has said the agency has taken "immediate actions" to "improve the situation" at Áras Attracta, adding that an independent investigation into the abuse has begun and nine staff have been suspended with pay.
"It's personally upsetting for the families, for the residents there. What I have to say is the behaviour, attitude and practise of some of the staff referred to there is totally unacceptable," he said on RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
"It has no place in the health service. It shouldn't and won't be tolerated."
Concerns were also raised about the standards of care at Áras Attracta in 2012 following the death of resident Francis Loughney.
Inside Bungalow Three airs on RTÉ One tonight (Tuesday) at 9.35pm.
