Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
739. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on an independent review into the CHO1 in the north west and its ability to manage and operate disability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9347/22]
View answer740. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commence an independent review into the quality and management of disability services in CHO2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9348/22]
View answer741. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commence an independent review into the quality and management of disability services in CHO3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9349/22]
View answer742. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commence an independent review into the quality and management of disability services in CHO4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9350/22]
View answer743. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commence an independent review into the quality and management of disability services in CHO5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9351/22]
View answer744. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commence an independent review into the quality and management of disability services in CHO6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9352/22]
View answer745. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commence an independent review into the quality and management of disability services in CHO7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9353/22]
View answer746. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commence an independent review into the quality and management of disability services in CHO8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9354/22]
View answer747. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commence an independent review into the quality and management of disability services in CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9355/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 739 to 747, inclusive, together.
In December 2021, the CEO of HIQA advised the Minister of Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities of concerns in relation to the HSE’s governance, management, and oversight of social care in CHO1. The Chief Inspector of Social Services, in the context of HIQA functions under the Health Act 2007 as amended, had brought concerns to the CEO's attention. The Chief Inspector is an independent statutory function responsible for the registration and inspection of designated centres, including those for people with disabilities.
The Chief Inspector has instigated a regulatory programme requiring the HSE to take action to improve the quality of life for residents of designated disability centres and regulatory compliance. HIQA is monitoring the progress of the HSE.
The progress on the steps being taken by HIQA the regulator, and the response by the HSE to address the safeguarding and governance concerns in adult disability services in CHO1, is being monitored by the Department of Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities, Minister Rabbitte.
Minister Rabbitte, with the Department of Health and HSE, is actively considering and scoping what might be done to further enhance safeguarding in residential care in the area.
The findings of HIQA’s regulatory programme, and the work of the HSE in this regard in CHO1, will be considered and learnings may inform safeguarding policy more generally as appropriate. It is important, however, to allow the work underway to progress. The ultimate aim is to ensure that services are safe for clients and that those working in the services are appropriately supported.
Work is currently underway by the Department of Health in developing a national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector, which includes disability services. The intention of this Policy development is to enhance / strengthen the health and social care sector’s wider adult safeguarding framework.
The delivery of high-quality safe services for adults with a disability in CHO1 is of the highest priority. All steps being taken to provide assurance of this is to be welcomed.
