Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, I thank Senator Swanick for raising this important issue. The Government’s ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. Regulation and inspection of residential centres for people with disabilities was placed on a statutory footing in November 2013 and compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the service level agreement between the HSE and non-statutory disability service providers.

The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is aware of HIQA’s ongoing concerns regarding the safety and care of residents at the St. John of God, Drumcar, facility in Louth, following numerous inspections the regulator has carried out there. As a fully independent regulator, established under the 2007 Health Act, HIQA has very significant regulatory powers. It is engaging directly with St. John of God leadership and senior management on the serious issues identified in its numerous inspections. A separate review of services would be of no benefit while this process is ongoing.

When initial HIQA inspections began in 2014, they uncovered a lack of understanding on the part of some service providers in terms of meeting regulations and standards. This was particularly true in the case of many of the large congregated settings where longstanding institutionalised care practices were impacting adversely on the quality of life of residents. The Government recognised this and has committed significant resources to escalate the movement of residents from inappropriate, congregated settings to more appropriate living arrangements. Capital funding of €100 million has been allocated over the period 2016 to 2021 to facilitate the reconfiguration of residential services. This capital funding for five successive years will support the move from congregated settings.In this context, 11 specific sites were prioritised for capital funding in 2016 owing to significant issues with complications with regulatory requirements in these locations. St. John of God North East Services, St. Mary’s, Drumcar is one of the priority sites.

Every person who uses disability services is entitled to expect and receive care of the highest standard and to live in dignity and safety. Our aim must always be to ensure people with disabilities maximise their potential and live rich and fulfilling lives. They and their families trust us to care for them with kindness and compassion. The HSE is implementing a comprehensive change programme of measures to improve the quality and safety of residential services for people with disabilities. While the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA's findings may sometimes make for difficult reading such as in case of the Drumcar facility, they serve as evidence that the regulatory process works effectively and in the interests of protecting vulnerable persons in the care of the State.

While a lot of work remains to be carried out to ensure all facilities comply with disability residential standards and this is presenting challenges for both the HSE and some disability service providers, we must remember that the fundamental objective at all times is to safeguard vulnerable persons. HIQA will continue to take action when standards are not met and where providers are failing to provide residents with a good quality of life.

Senators raised the matter of money being taken from residents. I have no answer and do not know whether the Minister will be able to come back to them on it. I do not have any information on it in the reply.