Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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679. To ask the Minister for Health to establish a working group consisting of representatives of HIQA, Supported Care Homes for the Elderly and the Health Service Executive to examine the current inspection guidelines that can be applied to supported care homes for the elderly and determine if more suitable inspection guidelines can be established in acknowledgement of the significant saving that such facilities provide to the State per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22779/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is an independent statutory authority established to drive high quality and safe care for people using health and social care services. HIQA's role is to develop standards and inspect and review health and social care services. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive framework, including the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older Peopleand the Health Act, 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations, 2013.

The National Standards set out what is expected in terms of the service provided to residents, with a focus on continuous development of safe and effective care. A revised set of National Standards were approved earlier this year and came into effect this month. The revised Standards place a stronger focus on quality of life and a person centred approach to care of all residents and these were developed taking into account the following:

- a review of the 2009National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland;

- a review of national and international reports, standards, literature and policy documents;

- findings from focus groups with residents, relatives or friends and staff in eight residential care services;

- feedback from the Standards Advisory Group;

- feedback from key stakeholders during a five-week targeted consultation;

- feedback from key stakeholders and the public during an eight-week public consultation.

The Authority has emphasised that all decisions on compliance are considered with regard to reasonableness, proportionality, fairness and in the context of the service provided. There are no plans at present to establish a working group to review the recently approved Standards.