Care of the Elderly

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Questions (565)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

565. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the national quality standards for residential care settings for older persons. [30197/13]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Under the Health Act 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Health Information and Quality Authority's Chief Inspector of Social Services for the independent inspection and registration of all nursing homes, private and public. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive regulatory framework and the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland. All nursing homes are subject to the same core standards and regulations in relation to quality and safety in order to ensure the well-being of their residents. HIQA is statutorily independent in this context.