Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
477. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if the Health Information and Quality Authority automatically carry out investigations into care centres, when information emerges that employees have been found guilty of abuse of clients of the care centre, despite having been exonerated in an internal inquiry; and the steps the authority can take in relation to that matter. [14044/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra508. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the manner in which the Health Information and Quality Authority is conducting inquiries into cases of alleged abuse in care homes. [14219/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 508 together.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) started to regulate residential services for people with disabilities on 1 November 2013, pursuant to Statutory Instrument No. 366 of 2013 and Statutory Instrument No. 367 of 2013, which assign responsibility to HIQA for registering and inspecting residential services for children and adults with disabilities, including respite services.
HIQA has informed the Department that in respect of suspected or confirmed allegations of abuse of residents responsibility for reporting such incidents lies with the provider of the service. The service provider is responsible for compliance with Regulation 8 of the (Care and Support of Resident in Designated Centres for Persons with Disabilities) Regulations 2013 and to comply with the National Policy and Procedures on Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse. When HIQA receives information in relation to reports of allegations of abuse, the information is used to inform its regulatory engagement with the designated centre. HIQA's processes ensure that there is a response to all information received and that it is risk assessed. Where the information is of a serious nature, HIQA can trigger an inspection of that centre, regardless of any outcome from enquires undertaken by the provider.
If HIQA become aware of an allegation of abuse, the service provider is required to demonstrate that they have responded appropriately to the allegation in a manner that prioritises the safety of residents as clearly outlined within their National Policy and the relevant regulations. If the providers response to allegations is assessed as inadequate, providers are required to take further action to prioritise the safety of residents. Further regulatory action may be taken such as requiring the provider to take specific actions within a specific timeframe, adding a condition to the registration of a centre, cancelling the registration of a centre, or taking a prosecution. HIQA welcomes feedback and views such feedback as an opportunity to improve the quality of its work.
