Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree. Although some argue the HIQA standards are too high, I disagree. The HIQA standards are about right. However, it takes time to meet them, whether to carry out the capital works required or to hire or train additional staff. Some of the buildings HIQA is criticising have been in use as health care facilities for 200 years, and we cannot replace them all overnight. On disability, we have extended the date to 2018 and for the older people's buildings it has been extended to 2021. While they do not necessarily have to comply immediately, every body or group has to agree a funded plan.