Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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605. To ask the Minister for Health the measures which have been put in place to address the serious incidences of regulatory non-compliance recently identified by HIQA inspectors at a residential care centre (details supplied) for adults with mild to severe intellectual disabilities in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26666/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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. All centre-based residential and residential respite care facilities for adults or children with a disability are subject to registration and inspection by HIQA since 1 November 2013. Over 1,900 inspections have taken place to date. The lessons learned from these are continuing to improve the quality of services.

The purpose of the regulations is to safeguard and support the delivery of person-centred care to people with a disability of any age who are receiving residential care services and to ensure that their health, well-being and quality of life is promoted and protected. Compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the Service Level Arrangements between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and voluntary service providers under Section 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.