Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a commitment that Wicklow hospital will be retained as a residential long stay care facility for the elderly; if she will ensure that the Health Information and Quality Authority report on it is published immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36625/10]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a hospital (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36843/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 183 together.

Wicklow District Hospital is a residential unit for older people providing long stay, respite and day care. Due to the age of the hospital, and despite investment over the years, some building infrastructural issues have come to light recently which gives rise for significant concern and they are being assessed. While the question relates to a service matter, I understand that the Health Service Executive has taken no decision yet in relation to the future of the hospital. Under the Health Act, 2007 statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority, for inspecting and registering categories of designated centre for older people. This new registration and inspection regime commenced on 1 July 2009.

The Authority carried out an inspection of Wicklow District Hospital on 24 August 2010. The Authority's inspection process comprises three parts: pre-assessment, the inspection visit and report completion including a process of fact-checking and verification. Following inspection, the inspection report is drafted by the inspector(s). Once complete, the draft report is issued to the provider for a factual accuracy review. The provider must submit an action plan to address any issues identified during the inspection. Finally once the action plan has been submitted and approved the report is published by the Authority on-line at www.hiqa.ie.