Vol. 561 No. 1
107 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to extend the functions of the social service inspectorate to cover full inspections of mental health institutions and the centres dealing with the care of the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3436/03]
The social services inspectorate was established in April 1999, initially on an administrative basis but, in the longer term, it is proposed to establish it on a statutory basis. The main function of the inspectorate is to support the child care services by promoting and ensuring the development of quality standards. The SSI will monitor all personal social services operated by the health boards but, initially, it is concentrating on the child care area and in particular on the inspection of health board operated residential child care facilities.
The health strategy, Quality and Fairness, has set 2003 as the target date for the establishment of the SSI on a statutory basis. It also states that the remit of the SSI will be extended to cover residential care for older people and people with disabilities. Establishing the SSI on a statutory basis will strengthen its role and will provide it with the necessary underpinning of independence in the performance of its functions. It will also serve to increase public confidence in state and voluntary social services. Work on the drafting of a statutory instrument to enable the SSI to be established on a statutory footing is under way. The extension of the remit of SSI will be undertaken as resources allow.
