Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
299. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on plans to introduce a statutory right to home care, as committed to in the Programme for Government; the timeline he is working towards in publishing the necessary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2280/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to "Introduce a statutory scheme to support people to live in their own homes, which will provide equitable access to high quality, regulated home care".
In 2024, the Department of Health is focused on developing the regulatory framework for providers of home support services. It aims to ensure that all service users are provided with high quality, regulated care. It will consist of primary legislation, regulations and HIQA national standards. This work is at an advanced stage, with ongoing engagement with key stakeholders and legal advisors.
The primary legislation provides for the licensing of home support providers. Transitional timelines are being finalised for the registration of home support providers under this framework. Further details will be available following the expected publication of the General Scheme in Q1 2024.
The regulations will set out the minimum requirements that a home support provider must meet to obtain a license. Final revisions are being made to the draft regulations, informed by a public consultation.
Finally, the draft HIQA standards for home support will go out for public consultation in 2024.
