LATEST: HSE comments on reopened investigation into rapist who used to reside in Kildare

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has commented on the reopened investigation into convicted rapist Emmanuel Adeniji.

The Irish Independent reported on Sunday, February 4 last, that the HSE will resume an investigation into the alleged rape and abuse of nursing home residents by the former healthcare assistant.

In 2020, Mr Adeniji, who lived in Royal Canal Court in Kilcock, was sentenced to serve 11 years in jail for the rape of a nursing home resident during the Covid-19 lockdown.

He is also also suspected of allegedly abusing 21 other women at the HSE-run community nursing home.

When asked to comment on the reopened investigation by the Leinster Leader, a spokesperson for the HSE said:  "The HSE is currently undertaking the preparatory work necessary for the next phase of the file review as recommended by Jackie McIlroy in her review published in 2023. 

"In parallel, the team established to support residents and their families is continuing to provide support to those people."

The spokesperson added that work underway currently includes: tendering for the external expert support necessary to undertake the file review, going through the file retrieval process, and ensuring the appropriate legal framework is in place to support this work — including managing issues relating to probate and appropriate next-of-kin identification.

They continued: "This preparatory work is complex and time-consuming... We expect it to be completed in the coming weeks, and the process of reviewing identified files will then begin. 

"The will and preference of the relevant person will be central to this work and we will engage with residents and/ or next of kin as appropriate throughout this process."

"Separately, Jackie McIlroy has completed her report on the safeguarding process and this is currently being considered by the CEO with a number of other stakeholders," the spokeperson concluded.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact: One in Four (oneinfour.ie), the Rape Crisis Helpline (1800-778888), the Samaritans (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) and HSE counselling services (1800-235234).

In addition, if you have been affected by elder abuse or if you suspect someone you know may be the victim of elder abuse, you can visit the official Citizens Information website.