Ms Carol Grogan:

We have seen over the course of 2022 and 2023 that residents have faced either new charges or increases in the charges that were levied on them previously. We have also seen a tendency in some cases for providers to incorporate what we refer to as a blanket charge on all residents regardless of whether they avail of a service or not. I am concerned about this because residents may perceive they do not have a choice about paying the charges that are included in their contract of care and they would have very little disposable income to spend on what they wish. Unfortunately, the regulatory framework does not allow my inspectors to review the charges. We do review the contract of care to check whether it is transparent and provides choice. We have engaged with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to inform guidance for registered providers in the development and use of contracts of care. We have also raised this issue with the Department.