Minister 'needs time to consider' HIQA report on Portlaoise nursing home

The Minister for Older People is going to 'consider' the findings of a report into two nursing homes in Portlaoise and Dubline before deciding what to do about the findings or publishing the report.

The Department of Health update the Leinster Express / Laois Live on the status of an interim report, Minister Kieran O'Donnell ordered on The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor nursing home in Glasnevin. 

Significant failings in care were revealed by RTÉ Investigates at the Emeis Ireland homes by undercover carers. The screening of the programme on Wednesday, June 4 was led by Minister Kieran O'Donnell to order the Health Information and Quality Authority to report on operations.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live asked the Department for an update on the day an interim report was due to be delivered to Minister O'Donnell.

"As the national independent regulator of nursing homes in Ireland, the Minister for Older People expects HIQA and the office of the Chief Inspector to utilise all powers available to them to ensure rigorous oversight and accountability in nursing home care.

"The Minister met with HIQA on the 4 June 2025 to discuss regulatory activity relating to the nursing homes featured in the RTÉ Investigates programme.

"At this meeting, HIQA’s chief inspector confirmed its continuous intensive engagements with the two nursing homes in question and committed to providing a report on the two nursing homes, The Residence Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor, Glasnevin.

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"An interim report on their engagement with the two nursing homes over the past two weeks is to issue to the Minister by close of business on Friday 13 June 2025.

"The Minister for Older People, and the Department of Health will need time to consider the findings of the report. The welfare of residents and their families will remain our highest priority," it concluded.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live also asked HIQA if it intended to publish the report or make a statement on its findings. It declined to comment.

HIQA has the authority to deregister the homes, which would mean the HSE would have to manage the facilities until alternative places could be found for the residents.

A further review has also been ordered into all Emeis Ireland nursing homes. This includes the Kilminchy Lodge in Portlaoise.