Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Some members have mentioned the pandemic. We, as a society, should have learned an awful lot from the pandemic in terms of how to plan for future seismic change or upset in the system. Perhaps this matter is outside of the remit of the HIQA officials but has HIQA a policy or conducted research on the shortcomings experienced during the pandemic and the decisions that had to be taken? The most vulnerable people were the ones who probably suffered the most during the pandemic. All of the residential and day services closed which left people, in some instances, to fend for themselves or in the case of the elderly their family members or others had to care for them. What did HIQA put in it?

Reference has been made to engaging with residents in an effort to understand their concerns. Has HIQA done background research on the views of the next of kin and the families? I ask that because sometimes there is a clash between what is best for residents and what the next of kin or the family perceive to be the best for residents. Has HIQA conducted research or collated information that suggests the challenges and how we can navigate things? The first aim of HIQA's report is to ensure that people in congregated settings or State care get the best possible services. However, we must look at this matter in an holistic manner. Therefore, we must analyse the situation to ensure that the decisions that are made in the future reflect best practice in every way possible.

Deputy Ellis made a point about sheltered housing. In some instances sheltered housing is being developed by small housing associations and voluntary organisations, whose main aim is to get a site for development. They start with great ambition but may not realise the huge, onerous responsibility they have to comply with regulations and everything. Does that situation not pose a challenge whereby this committee should highlight the situation thus ensuring that housing agencies are equipped with the best possible advice on ways to comply with regulations so as to ensure that residents get the best? Can HIQA identify something that we as a committee should consider that will fence that gap or ensure there is an easier path for providing sheltered housing thus ensuring people live the best life that they possible can?