Last month, we published a new report summarising inspection findings from the first five years of regulation in Ireland’s disability sector. HIQA began regulating residential services for people with disabilities in November 2013, marking the first time such services were subject to independent regulation.
Mary Dunnion, HIQA’s Director of Regulation and Chief Inspector of Social Services, said: “Our findings in the first few years were reflective of a sector that was not initially prepared for regulation, with some services providing good services, and poor practice and low levels of compliance evident in others.
“However, we have seen improvements in the lives of people who receive services. Our inspection findings show that residents’ rights, dignity and social care needs are now better promoted, and that regulation has positively impacted their lives. Improvements include: moving to houses nearer their families, going on holidays or to concerts, working in their local communities and having more control over what they do on a daily basis.
“Notwithstanding these improvements, we have highlighted that significant challenges remain regarding the management and oversight of services, addressing infrastructural deficits and safeguarding vulnerable people.”
Read the report here.