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Irish Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Inspector who cleared nursing home with abuse allegations worked on same campus
The 'lead' HIQA inspector who cleared controversial Beneavin Manor twice last year, despite almost 200 notifications of alleged abuse, worked in a sister nursing home on the same campus for two years, the Irish Mirror can reveal. In a lengthy statement, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) denied any wrongdoing, saying that the nursing home had changed ownership between the time the person worked there and the completion of the inspections. Beneavin Manor and The Residence in Portlaoise, Co Laois, were featured in an RTÉ Investigates documentary earlier this month. The homes, which are run by Emeis Ireland, were widely criticised after the undercover footage of residents crying out for help, being left in soiled clothes, and being incorrectly handled. An interim report from HIQA, published on Tuesday evening, revealed that there have been 198 notifications regarding suspected or confirmed allegations of abuse to residents in Beneavin Manor between January 2022 and June 2025. The Irish Mirror can now reveal that a HIQA inspector who used to work in Beneavin House was involved in two inspections at Beneavin Manor last year, which found that the nursing home was mostly compliant. Beneavin House, Beneavin Manor and Beneavin Lodge are all situated directly beside each other in Glasnevin. All are now owned by Emeis. The inspector is listed as the 'lead' inspector in two inspections at Firstcare Beneavin Manor on May 15 2024 and November 7 2024. The May report found that Beneavin Manor was 'compliant' or 'substantially compliant' under most regulations. However, it was found non-compliant with three regulations, including governance and management, contracts for the provision of services, and food and nutrition. The November report noted they were 'compliant' and 'substantially compliant' on all regulations. According to LinkedIn, the person listed as the lead inspector on both reports worked as a Clinical Nurse Manager at Beneavin House Nursing Home between June 2015 and June 2017. They then worked as director of nursing in two other nursing homes before moving to HIQA to become an inspector in September 2020. In a lengthy statement, HIQA stated that the nursing home had changed ownership and the inspector had never worked for Beneavin House under the new ownership. A spokesperson said that HIQA has a conflict of interest policy and 'inspectors of social services employed to inspect nursing homes have often worked in nursing homes in the public or private sector or a combination of both' and that a 'key requirement of any applicant for a job as an inspector is at least three years' experience working in a supervisory or management position in a health or social care service, regulatory, or other setting deemed relevant by the Authority'. They continued: '[Name] commenced work as an inspector of social services in September 2020. 'As is standard practice and in line with our conflict of interest policy, she was not required to inspect or to have regulatory oversight of those centres where she worked previously. 'As [she] was employed by Beneavin House Ltd, (the then owner of Beneavin House between 2015 and 2017), this centre and the other Beneavin Centres were not included in [her] caseload at that time. 'Given the passage of time and the change in ownership of the nursing homes in 2024, the issue of a conflict of interest was discussed again by [name] and her line manager with both satisfied that there was no longer any conflict of interest or any reason why [she] would not inspect First Care Beneavin Manor or the First Care Beneavin Lodge. 'She has not inspected First Care Beneavin House, the centre where she used to work. 'To be clear, [she] has never worked for Firstcare Beneavin House Ltd, the company that currently owns First Care Beneavin House, which was acquired by Emeis in 2024. 'In addition, [she] has not worked in Beneavin Manor or been employed by Firstcare Beneavin Manor Ltd. '[She] has never been employed by Emeis or any of the companies that are owned or operated by Emeis.'
Dublin Live
a day ago
- Dublin Live
Ryanair plane crashes into barrier on runway following 'severe turbulence'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Passengers were left in a shocked after a Ryanair plane struck a barrier on the runway after landing at a Greek airport. The Boeing 737 service from London Stansted to Kalamata on Wednesday experienced "severe turbulence" en route to the southern Greek city. Following a successful touchdown, travellers were jolted by a "loud banging sound" as the craft collided with a fence. Images circulating online depict significant damage to one of the wings following the incident. According to one traveller, the crew had prewarned of potential "a bumpy landing" yet anxiety mounted onboard when passengers were instructed to remain seated for the fire brigade's arrival, sparking concerns of a possible fire, reports the Irish Mirror. A source told The Sun: "The flight took off from London Stansted on Wednesday morning and headed for Kalamata. There was severe turbulence during the flight, but it managed to land on the runway at Kalamata International. The crew said it was going to be a bumpy landing." The passenger recounted: "But while it was taxiing down the runway towards the red and white barrier at the end, the plane turned and everyone heard this loud banging sound. You could feel the impact." Once the incident caused wing-damage, the passengers were instructed to await further guidance from the crew, the source said. Nonetheless, fear took hold amongst the passengers upon being informed that the fire brigade had been summoned to the scene. A passenger expressed their alarm, saying: "There was an announcement that everyone had to wait on the plane for the fire brigade. With the wing damaged the way it was, why wouldn't you evacuate the plane first? Everyone was scared - it was the fact they said wait on the plane even though there was clearly a risk of fire." A Ryanair spokesperson said: "This flight from London Stansted to Kalamata (18 June) was taxiing to stand when the wing tip came in contact with a fence at Kalamata Airport. The aircraft subsequently continued to stand, and passengers disembarked normally. The aircraft then underwent the required inspections and maintenance prior to its return to service." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Michael Gaine murder suspect speaks in chilling new documentary
The murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine is set to be further explored in a new documentary airing tonight. Irish Mirror reporter Paul Healy spoke to Virgin Media as part of the new documentary looking into the garda investigation so far of the murdered farmer on his land in Kenmare. The Murder of Michael Gaine' also features interviews with locals and explores the shocking discovery of the missing man's remains in a slurry tank - seven weeks after it had originally been searched. The episode looks at this paper's exclusive interviews with self-admitted murder suspect Michael Kelley - and also features pictures taken by our photographer Mick O'Neill. Audio is also played of our doorstep interview with the US native on the streets of Tralee - where he admitted that he was arrested and was being treated as a suspect in the high profile case. Mr Healy is asked about his encounter with the suspect, who was also approached for comment as part of the documentary. In our interviews, Mr Kelley, who admits he is an 'illegal immigrant' in this country, said Michael Gaine took him in and allowed him to live on his farm for the past three years. He denied any involvement in the murder of Mr Gaine - and asserted that he was being framed. He told us that he last saw Mr Gaine on the morning of March 20th - the day he disappeared - and claimed the farmer told him he was off to meet someone about a tractor. He spoke of his interview with gardai in which he alleged he was shown 'glossy' photos of a chainsaw that officers suspect was used to dismember the remains of Mr Gaine. Mr Kelley, who said he had an 'OK' relationship with Mr Gaine rubbished the theory that the chainsaw was used telling us: 'The chainsaw thing is preposterous or they would have charged me. I mean Texas Chainsaw Massacre bullshit? I mean please. Preposterous.' In subsequent exclusive interviews with this paper, explored in the documentary, Mr Kelley opened up about his career as a 'meat cutter' in the United States - and stated that his experience wasn't relevant - because whoever dismembered the Kerry farmer didn't need his skill. 'I don't think that what has been depicted as having happened to (Mr Gaine) was as a result of skills. I wouldn't put that in the ballpark of skills,' he told us. 'Any criminal can do mayhem. I have no idea. I haven't seen what the police presented in a public forum but according to their accounts they said he was cut into small pieces. That doesn't imply skill,' he said. The documentary also explores the heartbreaking funeral of Michael Gaine - and the many tributes to the beloved rally car enthusiast. 'The Murder of Michael Gaine' part 1 and 2 air at 8:30pm tonight on Virgin Media One.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Taoiseach's office vandalised as details of 'personal threats' emerge
Taoiseach Micheál Martin's office in Cork was vandalised overnight, the Irish Mirror can reveal. Pictures shared online on Wednesday morning showed 'Zionist pawn' written on the window and red paint on the front of the building. A spokesman for the Taoiseach confirmed to the Irish Mirror that this is the third such attack on the office in Turner's Cross, Cork. They also said that 'personal threats' against Mr Martin had been made to the office in recent times as the spokesman condemned the attacks. He said: 'I can confirm there was an act of vandalism on the constituency office last night, this is the third such attack. 'Personal threats have also previously been sent to the office, warning the Taoiseach it will be made impossible for him to navigate in public spaces. 'This is a working office with constituency staff acting on a daily basis to support the community on various issues. 'Those responsible for these criminal acts and intimidatory and abusive threats are fundamentally anti-democratic. 'We believe the vast majority of people who are appalled by the situation in Gaza would have nothing to do with such actions.' More to follow.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish dad still not home 13 days after being freed from Iraq jail
An 'innocent hostage' freed from prison in Iraq a fortnight ago after four years behind bars has still not been allowed to return home to Ireland. Robert Pether was jailed in Baghdad in April 2021 after leaving his family home at Elphin in Roscommon to help build the new Central Bank of Iraq. He was imprisoned as part of a €20 million contract row between the bank and his Dubai-based employer. After a high-profile campaign that was reported throughout by the Irish Mirror, it was finally announced on June 5 past that Rob was being released. But construction engineer Rob, 49, wife Desree, 53, and kids Flynn 21, Oscar 20, and Nala 12 are still waiting for his travel ban to be lifted so that the family can be reunited. Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane, who campaigned for his release, said: 'I cannot express the happiness I feel for Desree, Flynn, Oscarand Nala. Rob must now be brought home.' However, today is 13 days since he was released on bail and yet there remains little public progress about his homecoming. Sources close to the situation last night confirmed 'things are moving in the background' but the date of Rob's arrival back in Ireland remains unclear, according to his supporters. Meanwhile, since his conditional release, he has been forced to miss more family milestones like son Oscar's 20th birthday and another Father's Day. His wife Desree, who previously described her husband as an 'innocent hostage', posted on social media on Father's Day. She wrote: 'So close and yet still not here to spend the day with his family. Weekend number 218. You're an awesome dad Robert Pether.' Last week, on Oscar's birthday, she wrote: 'Happy Birthday Oscar. We are super proud of you. What you've achieved in the past few years, while facing what we have, is amazing.' Desree two weeks ago revealed that Rob, who previously survived melanoma cancer, now has prostate cancer and is in seriously bad health. Doctors confirmed a rapid deterioration in his condition in the weeks before he got out of prison that Desree said jail has left her husband looking 'unrecognisable'. She told us: 'We got the news from Robert himself via video call on his solicitor's phone. His first words were, 'There's my family, I'm out'.' She added: 'Robert is not well at all. He really needs to just come home so he can get the proper medical care he needs." Rob, who is from Australia but his home is in Roscommon, was arrested and jailed on fraud charges, which he denied and which the UN claimed were false.
