Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
217. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the adequacy of Health and Information Quality Authority inspection protocols of special care units; and if he will report on the standard criteria applied to such inspections. [47757/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established under the Health Act 2007. HIQA was established to drive high-quality and safe care for people using health and social care services in Ireland.
The functions of HIQA are set out in the 2007 Act, as amended, and include functions in relation to special care. HIQA is independent in the performance of its functions, including in relation to the development of standards and monitoring compliance with those standards. The approval of standards is a function of the relevant Minister.
In the context of monitoring standards, HIQA may develop inspection protocols as tools to assist in the monitoring process. HIQA publishes inspection reports, including in relation to special care, which are reviewed by my Department as part of a general root cause analysis of services. It is important that, in conjunction with Tusla and other agencies, we identify what part policy, resources and local management contribute to the standard of services for vulnerable children and act on these findings. HIQA reports are an important and integral part of this process.
