Pressure grows in Mayo over Western Care internal controversy

An elected member of HSE West has called on the board of the Western Care Association to ‘come clean’ on the internal controversies that are tearing the organisation apart.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said he is concerned after being made aware of allegations that are causing strife and undermining morale in the association which employs 1,000 people and is providing vital services to 850 service users with a range of disabilities throughout the county.

The Castlebar-based representative expressed fear that funding could be pulled from the services unless clarity is brought to the situation and assurances given that the issues within the management structure are being urgently addressed.

He said: “The longer the controversy is allowed to drag on without full transparency, the greater the danger of funding being withdrawn and the consequences that entails.

“The episode is causing immense anxiety for parents and staff. This level of uncertainty has to be brought to an end urgently to ensure the association’s survival. I would not like to see it reach a situation where it is forced to shut down.”

Councillor Kilcoyne’s appeal follows a call by Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh for what she described as an independent, transparent investigation 'to deal with this very serious situation’.

She has briefed the Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, about the matter as well as putting Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on notice about her concerns.

A number of parliamentary questions tabled by her are expected to be answered in the coming days.

In a statement, she outlined: “I have a duty of care from the information I’ve received and I’m taking that extremely seriously. I’m deeply concerned at this point. The families and people of Mayo need answers.

“I am also very conscious how difficult this is for the many dedicated Western Care workers who work tirelessly to ensure the rights of those in their care are upheld.

“We need a swift, independent, transparent investigation to deal with this very serious situation.”

Staff, family and service users of Western Care Association has been informed that a review of the organisation’s management structures is being conducted.

They have also been told that normal operations are continuing with ongoing engagement with the HSE.