Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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439. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a property (details supplied) in County Kerry for adults with autism; his plans to open the facility without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39435/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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All designated residential services for people with disabilities must be registered, following the commencement of regulation of this sector on 1 November 2013. Providers are required to apply to HIQA to have a centre registered, in accordance with the registration regulations. I understand from HIQA that once the complete application has been submitted, HIQA arrange an inspection to verify that the provider has put appropriate arrangements in place to ensure the safeguarding of residents and the provision of a service that provides residents with a good quality of life.

HIQA prioritises any applications for new services and arranges the inspection as soon as possible after receipt of the completed application. However, HIQA must comply with the requirements and timeframes set out in the Health Act 2007, as amended, and in the registration regulations. In relation to new services, HIQA has engaged with many providers to ensure that their application is processed in the most time efficient manner possible within the requirements of the Health Act 2007, as amended.

HIQA has informed the Department of Health that it does not comment on individual centres or specific cases.