Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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575. To ask the Minister for Health the level of oversight of care provider companies; the required level of training and competency of their staff; how often are they required to up-skill their staff; if the Health Service Executive conduct unannounced inspections at clients' homes; if these companies fall under the remit of Health Information and Quality Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11233/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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External home care providers engaged by the HSE are not currently subject to regulation by HIQA.

The HSE uses private and voluntary providers mainly for the delivery of enhanced home support services where direct HSE services are not available. In 2012, the HSE introduced a procurement framework for external providers. This included quality standards in terms of governance & accountability, person centred care, complaints management, training and qualifications. Providers are monitored through Service Level Agreements and are required to provide a range of information in relation to the services provided. They are supervised through regular operational meetings and care plan reviews.

Government for National Recovery, 2011-2016 commits to developing and implementing national standards for home support services which will be subject to HIQA inspection. Primary legislation and resources will be required for the introduction of a statutory regulation system for home care services. This will be considered by Government on a prioritised and phased basis as resources, legislative and planning processes allow.

As the specific issues raised by the Deputy relate to service matters, the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply in relation to those matters. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.