Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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192. To ask the Minister for Health if he will obtain an extension on the closure order to allow staff of an organisation (details supplied) sufficient time to ensure all requirements are met as a result of issues identified relating to safeguarding and governance by HIQA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25230/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Health Act 2007 provided for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), its inspection and regulation of designated centres, and the framework for registration of these designated centres. The Act sets out the provisions for service providers to respond to decisions made by HIQA and to appeal decisions to the District Court if required. There is no provision in the Act for me as Minister to intervene in decisions made by HIQA or the District Court in these matters.

As the Deputy will be aware, HIQA is a fully independent authority charged with ensuring high-quality and safe care for people using our health and social care services in Ireland. I am assured that HIQA takes a proportionate and measured response to issues arising during the inspection and regulation process, and only takes escalated action where significant concerns are present.

The safety and protection of vulnerable people in the care of the State is paramount. My Department will remain in close contact with the HSE to ensure that all necessary actions are now taken in respect of the centre in question to ensure that its residents are cared for appropriately.