John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1409. To ask the Minister for Health if he received complaints from families who have family members in care at a hospital (details supplied); if an investigation has been carried out to date regarding the level of care at this hospital; and if his Department will take action in the matter. [25982/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I am aware of a complaint made by a family member whom I met in the company of the Deputy on 20 July.

My office has contacted the HSE with details of the issues raised at the said meeting and I expect to be able to report back to the Deputy in the coming days.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the statutory authority under the Health Act 2007 which is responsible for the inspection, regulation and registration of residential services for children, older people and people with disabilities in Ireland. HIQA's role is to promote sustainable improvements, safeguard people using health and social care services, support informed decisions on how services are delivered, and promote person centred care for the benefit of the public.

HIQA has inspected every designated centre in Ireland for people with disabilities at least once. The Stewarts Care organisation is made up of 13 separated designated centres comprising of 35 residential units in total. There have been 21 separate inspections of these centres since November 2013.

If the Deputy or any members of the public have any concerns regarding the general level of care at any centre, I urge them to contact HIQA where their concerns can be investigated.