Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 77: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding protection measures for adults with an intellectual disability in residential care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32120/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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All health service providers are required to adhere to the necessary legislative requirements with regard to safe environments. As a further protection, it is the intention of the Department of Health and Children to put in place a statutory inspection provision which would cover, among others, residential services for adults with intellectual disability.

This measure, together with the draft national standards for disability services which have been developed by the Department of Health and Children, in partnership with the National Disability Authority, will provide a quality framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of service users and staff to safety and dignity. A critical element in this process is the expansion of the remit of the social services inspectorate and the establishment of the health information quality authority.