Following RTÉ’s devastating investigation into private nursing homes, SIPTU is demanding immediate government action to enforce safe staffing levels and end the profit-driven neglect of elderly care. The exposé revealed systemic abuse, with residents denied basic hygiene products and dignity while underpaid, overworked staff struggled to cope.
“The Government has outsourced elder care to an industry that prioritises profits over people, and we’re now seeing the horrific consequences”, said SIPTU Sector Organiser Liz Cloherty.
“This is a direct result of failed policy. We need an urgent rethink of how the sector is run.”
Cloherty condemned the chronic understaffing and weak regulation fuelled by poverty wages, which have crushed worker morale and endangered vulnerable residents. “This isn’t care, it’s exploitation. The State’s refusal to value care work has led to this scandal,” she said.
SIPTU has written to Minister of State for Older People Kieran O’Donnell, demanding an emergency meeting.
“Public trust in privatised care is shattered, and rightly so”, Cloherty added. “Profit should never come before dignity. We need immediate reforms to put people before profits.”
The Union warns that without drastic change, including higher wages, strict staffing ratios, and stronger oversight, the crisis will worsen.
“The time for excuses is over. The government must act now.”