Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentation. I asked HIQA a question about the 1,100 designated centres. Of the approximately 9,000 beds, what percentage is provided by the voluntary sector? Have we any idea of that figure? HIQA stated that it would revert to us, but the witnesses have a fair idea on the matter.

My second question is also one that I asked of HIQA. Many of the witnesses' organisations, a number of which are large, also provide day care facilities. Have those organisations undertaken an analysis of whether their types of day care service will have to change in the coming years if, for example, there is inadequate family support - an attendee's parents might be ageing - in the next ten, five or fewer years? What problems are we likely to face? I have in mind COPE in Cork, where approximately 1,500 people attend its day care services. I imagine that it will face major challenges in this regard.

The witnesses mentioned how the HIQA forum had been useful, but could more be done to help the federation's members work in a timely manner? Is there co-ordination between HIQA, the federation and the funding organisation, namely, the HSE? Are we running into problems? On the one hand, voluntary bodies are coming under pressure from HIQA to reach a certain standard and, on the other, the HSE does not seem to recognise that. Does that vary between different parts of the country? Is it an issue that must be taken to national level to be addressed? What progress can be made? Can this committee be of help if there is an area of the country where the necessary supports are not being provided by the HSE?

I also mentioned the issue of respite care. HIQA raised some concerns about, for instance, respite care being provided at weekends in facilities that were occupied for the full week by people who were permanent residents but were able to go home at weekends. Respite care is a major issue, but less of it seems to be available now than at any other time. Are the various organisations involved being worked with to try to improve this situation?