I propose to take Questions Nos. 299, 300 and 302 together.
The Government’s ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. As the Deputies will be aware, regulation and inspection of residential centres for people with disabilities was placed on a statutory footing in November 2013 and compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the Service Level Arrangements between the HSE and non-statutory disability service providers.
I am aware of HIQA’s ongoing concerns regarding the safety and care of residents at the Saint John of God Drumcar facility in Louth, following numerous inspections the regulator has carried out there.
I understand that HIQA has recently issued notices of proposal to cancel registration of some of the centres at this facility. I also understand that HIQA is in very close liaison with both the service provider and the HSE in relation to these matters and I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputies with a detailed response on the various operational issues they have raised.