Residential care provider Ideal Care Services and its directors, Karen Akwuobi from Mount Garrett Rise, Tyrelstown, Dublin 15, and Victor Arinze, also known as Victor Illoh, from 2 Beechfield Heights, Clonee, Dublin 15, are facing criminal proceedings. They are accused by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, of providing falsified background checks and altered Garda staff vetting documents.
The charges were presented at Dublin District Court before Judge Anthony Halpin, and involve misconduct on two occasions in March 2023, related to homes in Dublin and Carlow. The accusations involve deceptive and inaccurate documentation allegedly submitted to Tusla.
Morgan Shelly, the agency’s barrister, emphasised the severity of the charges to the court, which include altering or falsifying Garda vetting and references. There are eight counts against each defendant, all under the Child Care (Standards in Children’s Residential Centres) regulations and the Child Care Act.
Mr Shelly highlighted that although the charges appear minor, they can lead to imprisonment. Detailed disclosure packs have been provided to the defence. The defendants confirmed their presence at the hearing but refrained from addressing the court.
Ideal Care Services, situated at the Base Enterprise Centre, Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, was represented by Henry Kelly BL.
Judge Halpin declared that extra guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions was not required and postponed the case until June 6th to decide future proceedings based on the defendants’ pleas. The allegations include fabricated Garda vetting for staff, submission of counterfeit references, and false records of reference checks.
The accusation from the prosecution suggests that the agency remains unconvinced of the validity and appropriateness of their care practices and operations. The argument put forth claims either insufficient staff, all lacking crucial overseas police verification, or deficiencies in terms of the quantity, skill set and experience of particular staff members at the service. Furthermore, it has been maintained that the care provider had a habit of allowing the use of outdated Garda staff vetting instead of recent ones.