HIQA "receives information of concern" relating to Western Care - report

Four protected disclosures by former and current staff of the Western Care Association are under investigation, the RTÉ Radio One Drivetime programme has revealed.

The terms of reference of the investigation by the association states that it could be expanded depending on what information emerges.

Journalist Barry Lenihan has also reported in a tweet that the health watchdog, HIQA, has received "information of concern" relating to the Castlebar -based charity which provides vital services for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.

The programme submitted 18 different questions to Western Care, to which it has to date declined to respond directly.

The association has rejected suggestions that there are serious risks to service users as a result of the controversy that has engulfed the organisation, assurances being issued to parents, staff and service users in that regard.

The charity, which receives significant State funding on an annual basis, told the programme that issues arise in all organisations from time to time and they are being dealt with in a fair and thorough manner.

However, the programme heard that problems that have arisen are "not sustainable."

Barry Lenihan detailed an unpublished report into Western Care which found how a significant section of the organisation is in crisis and has staffing concerns.

The RTÉ Radio One programme on the Western Care controversy can be listened to here.