Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014
313. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend powers to the Health Information and Quality Authority to undertake inspections of sheltered homes for the elderly; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37697/14]
View answerThe Health Information and Quality Authority is the independent authority established under the Health Act 2007 to drive continuous improvement and to monitor safety and quality in Ireland’s health and personal social care services. With effect from 2009 nursing homes for older people have been registered and inspected by HIQA and during the course of this Government this function has extended to residential services for those with disabilities and child protection services. There are no plans to extend the remit of HIQA to undertake inspections of sheltered housing.
The Health Service Executive provides health and personal services to tenants in sheltered housing in the same way that they are provided to older people living in their own homes in the community. In this respect the Government for National Recovery, 2011-2016 commits to developing and implementing national standards for home support services which will be subject to HIQA inspection. Primary legislation and resources will be required for the introduction of a statutory regulation system for home care services. This will be considered by Government on a prioritised and phased basis as resources, legislative and planning processes allow.
