James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if sheltered housing schemes in which elderly residents reside will be included in the inspection regime under the proposed Nursing Home Support Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25029/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the new inspection regime in respect of residential care facilities for older people in Ireland. The Health Act, 2007 sets out the functions of the Office of the Chief Inspector for Social Services as part of the Health Information and Quality Authority. One of the functions the Chief Inspector will be responsible for is inspecting designated centres against the Regulations governing these centres and approved national Standards. The definition of a designated centre as set out in Section 2 of the 2007 Act does not include sheltered housing schemes. It is intended to have the relevant parts of the Act commenced on 1 July, 2009 to allow the Chief Inspector inspect all centres against the regulations governing these centres together with the standards set by HIQA and approved by my colleague Minister Harney earlier this year.