Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Health and Children, in view of the recent research produced by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland which showed that seven out of ten older persons in nursing homes are being given inappropriate medication, the precautions or measures that are being encouraged by him to stop this potentially fatal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9061/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Under the Health Act 2007 statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), for the independent inspection and registration of residential care settings for older people (nursing homes). Since 1 July 2009 all nursing homes are registered under the Health Act 2007 (Registration of Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009, as amended, by the Chief Inspector.

All nursing homes are inspected under the Health Act 2007 against the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009. They must also meet the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland to be registered.

Standards 14 and 15 and 21 are of particular relevance. They cover medication management, medication monitoring and review and responding to challenging behaviour. Ordering, Prescribing, Storing and Administration of Medicines in nursing homes is regulated under article 33 of the Care and Welfare Regulations referred to above. Nursing Homes are also required under the Care and Welfare Regulations to maintain records of all medicines kept for patients and details of dates and times administered.

The Chief Inspector has the power to refuse to register, attach conditions to a registration or cancel the registration of a designated centre in the event of non-compliance with the regulations or the standards. My Department will shortly publish a National Policy to promote a restraint free environment in designated centres for older people.