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	Minister for Social Care Kathleen Lynch says concerns arise over potential intrusion</p>
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	The Government has not ruled out the possibility of introducing cameras and other forms of monitoring in certain care homes but are concerned about a potential &ldquo;intrusion on dignity&rdquo; that might arise in some facilities.</p>
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	Minister of State for Social Care Kathleen Lynch said cameras may be employed in some situations but that no definitive, overall decision has been reached.</p>
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	She was responding to reports of a U-turn on previously mooted plans to have such measures introduced following allegations of abuse at the Aras Attracta facility in Swinford, Co Mayo.</p>
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	&ldquo;I am not certain that they would be appropriate in all homes,&rdquo; said Ms Lynch, who has responsibility for primary and social care.</p>
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	&ldquo;Where it is their home since birth, I think we do have to put increased monitoring into places like that. I am sure we will find nothing but just in case; I would be very worried that the lack of monitoring could leave it open to suggestions that maybe behaviour is not appropriate.&rdquo;</p>
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	However, she qualified the position for people with intellectual disabilities, who are capable of communicating, saying such measures may potentially lead to an &ldquo;intrusion on their dignity&rdquo;.</p>
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	The same could be said of elderly residences, she said, adding the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) had a role in oversight and residents are often in receipt of regular visits from family members.</p>
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	Ms Lynch was speaking at the launch of new HSE guidelines on providing accessible services to patients with disabilities, launched at the Mater hospital in Dublin on Tuesday.</p>
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	Concerns in relation to care homes have come into focus following an RT&Eacute; Prime Time investigation into alleged mistreatment of residents at Aras Attracta last year.</p>
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	In response HSE director general Tony O&rsquo;Brien flagged a potential for under cover inspections saying such a move would have &ldquo;certain values&rdquo;.</p>
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	Minister for Health Leo Varadkar also voiced his support.</p>
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	<a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/cameras-in-care-homes-not-ruled-out-1.2064728">http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/cameras-in-care-homes-not-ruled-out-1.2064728</a></p>
