Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in the case of a nursing home (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26394/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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This Government places great importance on the policies and practical reforms we are implementing to ensure patient safety and quality-assured health services. The Health Act, 2007 provides for the registration and inspection of all nursing homes. Inspections are carried out by the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health and Information and Quality Authority.

It is important to have effective mechanisms to maintain and enhance public confidence in the delivery of quality residential care. Residents, their families and the public need to be reassured that the Authority is monitoring the care people receive. Since 1 July, 2009 all nursing homes, public and private, are registered under the Health Act, 2007 (Registration of Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 by the Chief Inspector. All nursing homes (public and private) are also inspected under the new Care and Welfare Regulations and patient-focused, quality Standards.

The functions of the Minister in relation to HIQA and the Chief Inspector are also prescribed in the Act. As the registration of designated centres is clearly and specifically one for the Chief Inspector, it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in any registration process. I am sure the Deputy will agree that lessons had to be learned from the well publicised incidents in nursing homes over the last few years and from reports such as that of the Leas Cross Commission of Investigation, published just last year. This new independent system of regulation and inspection underpins quality and safety for residents in nursing homes.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 with a disability has been refused service. [26416/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the refusal by the community welfare officer of further assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [26418/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.