Ms Mary Dunnion:

HIQA has a remit to ensure the contract of care between the resident and the provider has been signed. A resident signs a contract for the service they receive in the nursing home and there is a regulation that allows us to check if it has been signed. There is a discussion between the resident and the person providing the service and we would have concerns over what the regulations allow us to do in that context. We have brought these to the attention of the Department of Health.