Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I welcome HIQA witnesses. What we have seen in recent weeks has left many of us shaken. The "RTÉ Investigates" programme exposed a level of suffering and neglect no resident in any nursing home should ever endure. These were not isolated incidents. They reflect systemic issues. We are here today because the Irish public has serious and legitimate questions. They are demanding real answers. Poor care, mistreatment or abuse whether through neglect or inaction are entirely unacceptable. It is the job of this committee to ensure the systems, regulations and oversight meant to protect residents actually function. HIQA was established to be that safeguard. Today, we must evaluate if that safeguard is still working or if, as many now fear, it is failing the people it was designed to protect.

I will begin with questions on safeguarding and protected disclosures concerning referrals and decision-making. What proportion of serious concerns reported to HIQA are referred to adult safeguarding teams and to An Garda Síochána? Will the witnesses elaborate on the specific process and criteria used to determine if a concern merits referral? What expertise do those making these critical referral decisions have? Is there direct oversight from a safeguarding social worker or another qualified professional? How often has HIQA taken immediate action following a serious concern being raised? What percentage of protected disclosures made to HIQA are fully investigated and by what process? These are not abstract questions; they are about real lives and the protection of the most vulnerable.

To the issues of governance and legality, HIQA has spent nearly €13 million on agency staffing since 2014. Will the witnesses provide a clear breakdown of how many current inspectors are HIQA employees versus agency agents? What roles are agency staff currently fulfilling? Are agency workers carrying out functions legally reserved for direct HIQA employees under the Health Act 2007? Has HIQA reviewed the long-term impacts of agency dependency on institutional knowledge, staff continuity and regulatory consistency? In regard to leadership appointments, there is confusion around the appointment of the current chief inspector. HIQA's own website listed conflicting information well into 2025. Will the witnesses confirm this appointment was formalised and whether both Ministers signed off as required by law? Why did the title change retroactively to chief inspector designate? On financial oversight and ICT expenditure, HIQA has spent €22.8 million on ICT services since 2014. Will the witnesses detail which projects or improvements this spending has supported? How do these ICT investments relate directly to HIQA's core regulatory role?