Ms Brigid Doherty:

It is important that the regulations that are set out are assessed in great detail. Some of the regulations, in a sense, are still functional. There is more systematic and detailed exercise, for example as regards infection control, looking at training records, etc., and also that it is documented in detail and published in the inspection reports. There is an issue with staffing levels. There is no statutory requirement for either the number of staff or the skill mix. HIQA does not have any powers, and the regulation clearly states that it is down to the provider to decide the staffing level. That needs to change. The Department of Health is commencing the framework for safe staffing and skill mix. That is being introduced. It is crucial that it happens sooner rather than later, otherwise it is very difficult to assess whether there is an appropriate level of staff, and indeed the skill mix of the staff.