David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when national standards for disability services will be published and implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29586/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department, in partnership with the National Disability Authority (NDA), has developed draft National Standards for Disability Services in consultation with relevant stakeholders. These standards are designed to ensure that services are provided to an agreed level of quality and that the level of quality is consistent on a national basis. It is proposed that the standards will apply to a range of services for people with disabilities as funded by the Health Service Executive. The draft standards have been considered within the framework of the Health Services Reform Programme. A critical element in this process is the establishment of the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA). The draft standards have been forwarded to the interim Health Information and Quality Authority for its consideration. It is envisaged that the legislation to establish the Health Information and Quality Authority on a statutory basis will be brought forward in the current term. The Authority will have responsibility for the introduction of the standards.