Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

We will certainly share our proposals, and if the Deputy has any views or suggestions he wishes to put forward, we will be more than happy to take them on board. He mentioned standards, and it is intended that the Health Bill 2006, whose heads were published for consultation some months ago, should establish the Health Information and Quality Authority. This Bill will also put the social services inspectorate on a statutory basis and will contain provisions to underpin a much more robust inspection system. The chief inspector of social services will be required to monitor against standards set by the Health, Information and Quality Authority for residential services provided to older people, among other categories. We are making considerable progress in the area and providing extra funds to improve existing services.

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