James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to address the lack of inspection regime for sheltered housing projects in which approximately 6,000 elderly people reside, in view of the fact that apparently the Health Information and Quality Authority have no remit to inspect these homes for the elderly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16126/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Sheltered housing for older people generally describes purpose built group or clustered housing schemes designed for people, who would normally be aged 55 years or over, and where low to medium level of on-site support is implied. Residents have their own apartments or houses and may be either owners or tenants. Housing policy and support, including sheltered housing is primarily the responsibility for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

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 of the Chief Inspector is the registration and inspection of designated centres against the regulations governing these centres and the national standards approved by the Minister of Health and Children. The definition of a designated centre set out in Section 2 of the Act does not include sheltered housing. There are no plans at present to extend HIQA's remit to include the inspection of sheltered housing.