Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers; however, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister for Health, to comment on any individual case.

Nonetheless, as Minister for Health my primary concern is the safety and protection of vulnerable people in the care of our disability residential services and I take any issues raised regarding their care extremely seriously.

The Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) operates under the Health Act 2007, which sets out the functions which the Authority is to carry out. HIQA has responsibility for setting standards for healthcare services, and monitoring compliance with those standards. It also regulates facilities providing care for those with disabilities, to determine if they are meeting the relevant National Standards

All centre-based residential and respite care facilities for people with disabilities, including Sunbeam House Services, are subject to full registration and inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), the independent regulatory authority charged with ensuring high-quality and safe care for people using our health and social care services in Ireland. The purpose of regulation is to safeguard and support the delivery of person-centred care to vulnerable people 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.

HIQA continue to inspect residential and respite care facilities for people with disabilities, and where appropriate, monitor the implementation of improvement plans.

Work currently under way concerning Regulatory Reform, Safeguarding Legislation, and The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act (2015), further underpinned by legislation and policy already in place, will provide support for ongoing improvements within Designated Centres for Disabilities.