Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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228. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the annual overview report by HIQA on the inspection and regulation of disability services in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23159/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the publication of HIQA's Annual Overview Report on the Inspection and Regulation of Disability Services in 2019. The report illustrates the significant progress made by providers since HIQA commenced independent regulation of designated residential centres for adults and children with disabilities in Ireland in 2013. It also demonstrates that HIQA, as the independent regulatory authority charged with ensuring high quality and safe care for people using our health and social care services, has had a recognised positive impact on the lives of people with a disability who avail of our residential services. In 2018, all disability residential services were approved as designated centres, meaning that each of these centres has met the required standards for registration.

It is heartening to note that most residents told HIQA inspectors that they were happy in their homes, but we know that there is more to do to ensure that people with a disability can live 'ordinary lives in ordinary places' in line with the Transforming Lives disability reform programme. To this end, the Government is committed to continuing with the successful de-congregation programme and completing a further move of more people with disabilities from congregated settings to homes in the community, with the necessary supports, as outlined in the Programme for Government.