WELL-MEANING MEMBERS of the public, horrified by the ill-treatment spotlighted by the RTÉ exposé on Áras Attracta have showered the residents with Christmas cards and gifts.

A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed today that the residents of Bungalow Three – where an undercover camera captured slappings, force-feeding and other forms of mistreatment – have received more than 500 Christmas cards from wellwishers.

The three residents whose cases were particularly highlighted in the programme have been sent flowers and gifts.

“It is a very thoughtful and positive initiative and one that has been welcomed by everyone associated with Áras Attracta,” said the spokesperson.

A campaign to send good wishes to the residents was spearheaded by a Twitter appeal sparked by @DapperZo - and given further publicity by TheJournal.ie columnist Donal O’Keeffe here.

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The HSE and the gardai are investigating the activities of staff members at the care facility in Swinford, Co Mayo. Following transmission of the incredibly upsetting footage of the treatment of residents there, Health Minister Leo Varadkar called it “the worst [abuse] I’ve ever seen“.

Just last week, the HSE tendered for surveillance and security systems for installation at care facilities “in order to enhance the protection of vulnerable clients, patients, service users and staff members”.

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