Ms Carol Grogan:

I might first just address the specific question that was put to us on thresholds used before my closing remarks if that is okay.

If there is an issue around safeguarding or risk to residents, we will look at it in a multifaceted way. The first consideration is the immediacy of the issue and the need to provide protection for that resident and all other residents in the centre. Then it is about addressing the wider issue and asking providers to look at why it happened, what they can learn from it and what they can do to improve in order that it does not happen again. It is sort of a three-tiered system, after which we go back to ensure the change has been embedded. As Mr. Colfer outlined, if the provider fails to do that, we will take action.

I echo what everybody has said today. At the heart of this conversation are the people who receive care. It is imperative for all of us to ensure they receive the safe, quality care they deserve and are entitled to and that they are afforded the same rights as we all are. HIQA and my office are committed to progressing this.