Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

This amendment is very similar to one moved by Deputy McManus on Committee Stage. The position is as follows. Under section 7(1), HIQA is required to monitor compliance with standards it sets, other than those standards set on services inspected by the chief inspector of social services. Under the Bill, "designated centres" are residential centres for children in need of care and protection, residential services for people with disabilities and residential centres for older people, including private nursing homes. Designated centres must be registered by the chief inspector of social services if they are to operate. If designated centres do not meet HIQA standards, they will not be registered by the chief inspector.

The Bill also amends the Health Act 2004 to require the HSE to have regard to other standards set by HIQA in so far as is practicable and subject to the resources available to the executive. It is envisaged that service agreements between the HSE and service providers, under the 2004 Act, will contain appropriate provisions regarding adherence to HIQA standards. Given the extensive powers given to HIQA for monitoring compliance with standards, I believe the level of compliance will be very much evident. Accordingly, I do not intend to accept this amendment.

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