David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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204. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter in relation to visits at care homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12260/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in nursing homes has been considerable and this remains a very difficult time for nursing home residents and their friends and families.

Nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents. Under Regulation 11 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 it is the legal responsibility of each registered provider to make arrangements for a resident to receive visitors, having regard to any risks that may present for the resident or other residents. Public health guidance has been developed in order to assist and support providers in this regard.

I recently wrote to all nursing home providers, through HIQA’s communication portal, to emphasise the importance of adopting a holistic and person-centred approach, noting the important role that visiting, social connections and communication with family and friends has in the context of residents’ overall health and wellbeing. The importance of ensuring that visits take place to the greatest extent possible, in line with public health guidance and risk assessments was reiterated and providers were encouraged to frequently communicate with residents and families on the matter of visiting and to respond to phone to calls by family members, in so far as is practicable, given the constraints on staff.

I have been advised that HIQA, the Health Information and Quality Authority have been made aware of this case, as independent regulator HIQA is the appropriate body to raise concerns with, in respect of the management of visits. As a regulator HIQA has no formal legal role in examining individual complaints, however, the Authority does take into account all information it receives, including complaints from the public, when carrying out inspections.

Nursing home providers also have legal obligations under the Coroners Act; the oversight of the Coroner Service rests with the Minister for Justice. My Department has referred this matter to the Minister for Justice for her attention and consideration in relation to the matters relating to the Coroner Service.