Ms Laura Casey:

I suppose we cannot say anything for definite. The additional resource that is being put in will be helpful with regard to HIQA's capacity to oversee the sector. The other point to make is that the vast majority of inspections are unannounced. I do not have up-to-date figures, but it is well over 90% of inspections, which is important with regard to the type of inspections and the approach taken. That is an important point. With regard to the provisions within this Bill, the intention is to try to give HIQA tools to work with the sector to improve compliance. At the heart of all of that is to improve standards within these centres for the benefit of residents. The powers we propose to give HIQA are important more generally with regard to improving standards across the system.