Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to amend the Health Act 2004, in order that supported care homes would be excluded from the definition of a designated centre in a way similar to that of institutions that are registered with the Health Commission, such as institutions that provide palliative care or mental health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15828/11]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to amend the Health (Nursing Home) Act 1990 in order that the definition of a "nursing home" would be changed to exclude supported care homes from its definition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15829/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 559 and 560 together.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that the welfare of residents is our primary concern. This Government places great importance on the policies and practical reforms we are implementing to ensure patient safety and quality-assured health services. Quality care and patient safety comes first for all residents of nursing homes, no matter what type of home. In this regard, it is important to have effective mechanisms to maintain and enhance public confidence in the delivery of quality residential care. The Health Act, 2007 provides this, with a regime designed to protect residents through an independent inspection and registration system. The primary legislation also defines what a designated centre is and the definition includes the care homes the Deputy refers to.

All nursing homes for older people are subject to the same core standards in relation to quality and safety. I am sure the Deputy will agree lessons have to be learned from the well publicised incidents in nursing homes.

The Minister has no plans, at present, to amend the definition of nursing homes as set out in primary legislation. However, the Department is currently reviewing the Health Act, 2007 (Care and Welfare Regulations of Residents in Designated Centres) Regulations 2009. These regulations set out detailed requirements regarding, amongst other things, staffing and environmental considerations for all nursing homes. The nature and status of the care homes the Deputy is referring to will be borne in mind in the context of the review.