The Health Information and Quality Authority was established in May 2007 as part of the government's health reform programme and is committed to operating to the highest standards of corporate governance.

We are an independent Authority, with broad ranging functions and powers reporting to the Minister for Health.

We have been set up to drive quality, safety, accountability and the best use of resources in our health and social care services, whether delivered by public, voluntary or private bodies.

We will set the standards for delivering health and social care services and we will continuously inspect to ensure that these standards are being met.

We will take action if there's a risk to the safety of any person using our health services.

And we will publish the findings of our inspections so that the public can make informed choices when seeking care.

We will help deliver value for your money by monitoring that the resources in our health and social services are used in a way which delivers the best outcome for the patient or service user.

In carrying out our work, our team of very experienced and professional staff work with a very wide group of people, including patients, clients and carers, health professionals, academic institutions and international bodies.

The Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) and the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board (IHSAB) have been integrated into the new Authority. The former SSI has expanded powers in the Office of the Chief Inspectorate for Social Services while the former IHSAB continues its valuable work as part of our Healthcare Quality function.

The Authority's headquarters are in Cork, with a regional office in Dublin.

Read our Corporate Plan 2010 - 2012 and 2010 Business Plan.
2007 annual financial statements and Comptroller and Auditor General approval.