Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 610: To ask the Minister for Health the current Health Information and Quality Authority policy in relation to inspecting residential services for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3333/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The legislative framework for the registration and inspection of residential services for people with disabilities is provided for by the Health Act 2007, which envisages a role for the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, in this regard. However, as the Deputy may be aware, the Act has not yet been commenced in respect of residential services for people with disabilities. Consequently HIQA has, at present, no remit in relation to inspecting these services.

In anticipation of the expansion of its role to include the regulation of this sector, HIQA has prepared and published standards which outline what is expected of a provider of services and what a person with a disability, his or her family, and the public can expect to receive from residential care services. The standards clearly set out what a quality safe residential service for people with disabilities should be and support the delivery of person-centred care in this sector.

The Government is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people with disabilities in residential services are safeguarded and protected, and that their quality of life is enhanced. With this in mind, the current Programme for Government commits to mandatory standards for this sector and inspections of services by HIQA.

As I announced on 16th June last, discussions have begun between the Department of Health and HIQA to progress this commitment. Given the complex nature of residential service provision for people with disabilities, ranging from congregated settings to dispersed housing in the community, careful consideration is being given to designing the most appropriate regulatory model and this work is ongoing. A target date of January 2013 has been provisionally set for the commencement of the proposed regulatory scheme.