Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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220. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding private nursing homes and their admission criteria; the basis on which they may reject an applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21865/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Under the Health Act, 2007 statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, in the Health Information and Quality Authority for the registration and inspection of categories of designated centres, including nursing homes for older people. Registration may be granted with conditions, and designated centres can only operate under these conditions of registration.

The Care and Welfare Regulations for Designated Centres for Older People require that a registered provider must ensure that there are written and operational policies and procedures in place for admissions. As a private business the criteria for admission is a matter for each individual nursing home in the first instance, subject to any condition set by HIQA.