Mr. Phelim Quinn:

I will address some of the issues raised before handing over to Ms Dunnion who is the director of regulation and chief inspector of social services.

Possibly what we are dealing with, both in consideration of the Health Information and Patient Safety Bill, we are also dealing with elements of what exists currently within the Health Act 2007 and the proposed Patient Safety (Licensing of Healthcare Facilities) Bill. There are a range of issues that are at play and they were referenced in our opening presentation, which Ms Dunnion will talk about.

Critically, there is a clear differentiation even within the current Health Act 2007 about HIQA's role is, under section 8 of that Act, and HIQA's formal role under the Office of Chief Inspector of Social Services. I ask Ms Dunnion to go into some detail on both roles.

In terms of the workforce planning issue and keeping pace with HIQA's expanded role, function and diversity, we have continuously tried to take a step back on this matter. It is not always just about getting additional staff into the health information department or additional inspectors. HIQA is an independent authority that is required to support itself in terms of ICT functions, human resources, finance, etc. Let us remember that within our functions we must generate income through fees from registrations, etc. Despite the fact that we are a small organisation that is comprised of 222 people at present, we carry out a wide range of functions. It is essential that the Department of Health recognises that fact when it resources new and additional functions that we may undertake in the future.

I ask Ms Dunnion to address the issues related to the three pieces of legislation.