Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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538. To ask the Minister for Health the situation regarding the use of closed circuit television systems in health care settings and in protecting vulnerable patients, in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46429/15]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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616. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the review of the 15 Health Service Executive disability service units following the Áras Attract RTE "Prime Time" programme; the changes he has made or recommended as a result; if the Health Information and Quality Authority have been in contact with the executive regarding concerns with service providers of disability services, the outcome and actions taken as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46869/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 538 and 616 together.

I am informed that the HSE has been exploring the use of CCTV monitoring within residential facilities. The HSE is very conscious of the potential difficulties in relation to privacy and data protection. To date research has shown that there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of CCTV as a means of preventing abuse and of increasing the safety of people living in residential centres. I understand that the HSE is continuing to liaise with a range of other bodies in relation to this complex issue in order to consult widely, prior to progressing this matter further.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.