Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011
472 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority of homes for persons with an intellectual disability; the number of homes that have been inspected; when the final report is due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31762/11]
View answer473 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority of homes for persons with an intellectual disability in County Meath; the number of homes in County Meath that have been inspected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31763/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 473 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, there is currently no statutory, independent inspection system in place in relation to residential services for people with disabilities. The legislative framework for the regulation of these services is provided for by the Health Act 2007, which envisages a role for the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in this regard.
HIQA has prepared and published standards for this sector, which outline what is expected of a provider of services and what a person with a disability, his or her family, and the public can expect to receive from residential care services. They clearly set out what a quality safe residential service for people with disabilities should be and support the delivery of person-centred care in this sector. The current Programme for Government includes a specific commitment to put these standards on a statutory footing and ensure that the services are inspected by HIQA. As I announced on 16th June last, discussions have now begun between the Department of Health and HIQA to progress this commitment. Given the complex nature of residential service provision for people with disabilities — ranging from congregated settings to dispersed housing in the community — careful consideration is being given to designing the most appropriate regulatory model and this work is ongoing.
The lack of regulation of this sector is acknowledged as a matter of concern. I am committed to addressing this issue and ensuring that vulnerable people with disabilities in residential services are safeguarded and protected, and that their quality of life is enhanced.
