Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1658. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the very serious concerns raised in the recently published HIQA Disability Overview Report 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42563/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Disability Overview Report 2021. Overall, the report highlights the extent of the work undertaken by inspectors in 2021, and notes that a majority of centres provide good quality support and care to people with disabilities
However the reported deterioration in overall compliance with Governance and Management regulations since the COVID-19 pandemic is concerning. Good governance and management are vital in order to provide high quality services to all residents in the centres.
In centres where the quality of support is insufficient or inadequate, the inspection and monitoring of centres by inspectors ensures that providers are required to take action to rectify issues in relation to the safety and quality of life for people with disabilities.
I am also confident that work currently underway around Regulatory Reform, Safeguarding Legislation, and The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act (2015), further underpinned by legislation and policy already in place will lead to positive outcomes, ensuring a safe, good quality of life for all within Designated Centres for Disabilities.
Officials of the Department of Health continue to engage with key stakeholders and sector partners on relevant matters arising from the Overview Report.
