 Kathleen Lynch: Minister of State . HEALTH SERVICES: A new scheme of registration and inspection of residential services for people with disabilities has been announced today.
The scheme will come in to effect from on Friday (November 1st) and will be delivered by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). HIQA will be able to set and monitor standards for designated centres which include residential services provided to persons with disabilities. They will also be empowered to undertake investigations regarding the safety, quality and standards of such residential services. Speaking today the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Kathleen Lynch what she called 'a new era' for people with disabilities living in residential services. “The introduction of this scheme has been a priority of mine and is a commitment in the Programme for Government. I would be the first to acknowledge that the disability sector itself has been calling for this for a number of years and I am very pleased that this long awaited scheme has now been rolled out.” The minister said that the new, detailed standards combined with guidance from HIQA will enable care providers to deliver even higher quality services. The scheme was also welcomed by Health Minister, Dr James Reilly. Dr Reilly said vulnerable citizens would now enjoy the benefit of an inspectorate. "This new development addresses this deficit. It will be of real value to recipients and providers of care alike and as such I warmly welcome it," Minister Reilly said.
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