Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Health I believe that every individual who uses our health services is entitled to expect and receive care of the highest standard and to be treated in an atmosphere of safety and care. This is true for all age groups but particularly important for the vulnerable elderly whose families have entrusted them to the care of professional staff.

Person-centred care and support is one of the themes of the HIQA National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare. Standard 1.6 states that service users' dignity , privacy and autonomy are respected and promoted.

The HSE's Patient Charter describes what an individual can expect when using health and social care services in Ireland. It is based on eight principles which underpin high quality, people-centred care. Included in these key principles are that we treat people with dignity, respect and compassion, services are provided in a safe environment and that we ensure adequate personal space is provided to ensure privacy in providing care and personal social services. I am aware that following the events in Aras Attracta late last year the Director General of the HSE wrote to all staff informing them that the onus is on them to take personal responsibility to ensure that the individuals supported by the HSE in any care setting are treated with dignity and respect.

In the National Service Plan 2015 the HSE has put in place an enhanced governance and accountability framework for 2015 which makes explicit the responsibilities of all managers to deliver on the targets set out in the National Service Plan across the balanced scorecard domains of Quality and Patient Safety, Access to Services, Finance and Human Resources (HR). The new Accountability Framework describes in detail the means by which the HSE and in particular Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations will be held to account in 2015 for their efficiency and control in relation to service provision, patient safety, finance and HR.

The framework refers to underperformance as:

- Places patients or services users at risk;

- Departs from what is considered normal practice;

- Fails to meet accepted and required standards for that service.

The Accountability Framework outlines performance management processes and sanctions. Sanctions include disciplinary measures where appropriate or necessary.

My Department is also in the process of developing a Code of Conduct for Health and Social Service Providers. The primary objective of the Code is to ensure the safety of those that access our services and to support the frontline staff who provide those services. I expect that the Code will be finalised in the near future.

Finally, both I and the HSE will continue to work to ensure that the management and staff of our health and health supported services maintain high standards of ethical behaviour and apply the training and principles of person-centred care in everything they do.