§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she has yet received a report from the social services inspectorate on the death of Jeremiah Kearney.
§ Mr. BowisMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has today received the social services inspectorate's report on the death, on 24 April, of Jeremiah Kearney. I am arranging for a copy to be sent to the director of social services for Haringey.
The report shows that Mr. Kearney had a severe alcohol problem, and was at severe health risk. He was a tenant of the London and Quadrant housing association, and during the three months prior to his death was in contact with the Irish community care centre in Stroud Green, which has delegated authority from Haringey social services department to undertake community care assessments. I am satisfied with the report and that Mr. Kearney was well informed of the options for residential and day care available to him, but had chosen not to pursue them. There is nothing in the report which can be seen as a criticism of the services provided by Haringey social services department or of the actions of its staff, or of the Government's community care policies.