Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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194. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking in response to an inspection report by the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, into an intellectual disability facility (details supplied). [14296/23]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Adult safeguarding is an important matter for all of society, agencies, and Government Departments. I take all allegations of abuse/mistreatment of vulnerable adults very seriously.

There are various structures and processes available to protect against abuse within the health sector and ensure prompt action including legislative and policy measures.

Significant work is ongoing in the health and social care sector to further strengthen adult safeguarding policy and legislation, building on the robust structures already in place.

The question relates to a disability centre, registered by the Chief Inspector for people with disabilities operated by the HSE.

Under the Health Act 2007, the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) disability inspection team is legally responsible for the monitoring, inspection and registration of designated centres for adults and children with a disability.

Additionally, 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

HIQA have confirmed that an inspection was completed on the 3rd of November 2022. At the time of inspection, due to the findings, an urgent action was issued relating to safeguarding concerns. HIQA also made a referral to the National Safeguarding Office.

HIQA continues to engage with the provider and take the necessary actions in line with regulatory processes.

Both the HSE and HIQA are currently working with the provider.

There is a requirement on the HSE funded service providers to take all appropriate measures to prevent abuse from arising as well as to respond and report all abuse concerns as per their Service agreement with the HSE and in compliance with the HSE Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse Policy.

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.