John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1411. To ask the Minister for Health the action that will be taken arising from a presentation made to the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people by a group representing a care home (details supplied); if funding will be provided to achieve the goals and deal with the issues as outlined by the delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25989/16]

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. The revised Standards place a stronger focus on quality of life and a person centred approach to care of all residents.

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 these recently approved Standards.

Funding for groups such as the one referred to by the Deputy is by and large provided by the Health Service Executive under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.