Ms Laura Casey:

There is already a range of offences within the Act which allow for prosecution with regard to breach of various sections. I would say and I think HIQA would say the same in that they really are a last resort. Given the nature of the sector we are dealing with and that the facilities are peoples' homes, taking those more extreme powers, such as cancelling registration, applying certain conditions or moving into prosecution on offences are really taken as a last resort. With areas of enforcement, there always has to be an accompanying regime of offences and penalties. However, the practice to date will continue with regard to their being a last resort.