An investigation by the Irish Independent has revealed that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has documents that confirm the abuse of elders in Ireland’s nursing homes.

Instances where the elderly inmates were assaulted, restrained, over-sedated and left to wander out of homes have come to light during the probes that took place between 2005 and 2006.

The HSE documents have revealed that elders have been abused in different ways at the HSE nursing homes and private nursing homes with HSE contracts.  Admissions to some homes have been temporarily suspended.

 The documents also reveal that there have been complaints against some homes which have been repeatedly abusing their elderly inmates. The charges have not been upheld because the caregivers have denied the allegations.

 However, a number of nursing home staff members have made complaints about the poor quality of care their elderly patients receive.

 The HSE has cited legal reasons for not making details of the probes public. It said that it is "working to provide as much transparency as possible. However, it should be understood that it would not be appropriate to publish details of all complaints either lodged and/or upheld". 

Age Action Ireland, the national network on ageing and older people has demanded that the HSE probes that took place in 2005 and 2006, be made public. "Age Action is concerned at the lack of transparency within the HSE when it comes to telling the public what is happening within our nursing homes," said Eamon Timmins, head of advocacy at Age Action.