Since November 2013, all designated centres for people with disabilities, both children and adults, must be registered with the Chief Inspector. We monitor and inspect designated centres regularly to ensure they maintain a high level of care and support.

An intended registered provider wishing to register a centre can contact us on (021) 240 9340 or by email at registration@hiqa.ie and our registration team will explain the requirements of the registration process.

In order for an application to register to be granted by the Chief Inspector, the service must be operated in line with the Health Act 2007, and the regulations as amended, which are listed here:

Additionally, service providers are given a framework for the ongoing quality improvement of person-centred residential services through the National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities.

The Chief Inspector of Social Services within HIQA recognises that residents, their families and their friends may have questions about the role of the Chief Inspector in regulating residential services. We hope that our guidebook may answer many of these questions. In addition, inspectors will always be happy to meet with residents, family, friends and staff while on inspection. Their feedback is always welcome.

The Chief Inspector has prepared a range of guidance documents to help providers with various aspects of regulation. These can be found by going to Guidance in the menu on the left.

HIQA has prepared documents in relation to how we operate and what to expect from HIQA staff during an inspection and in your dealings with us:

There is an opportunity to provide feedback to our inspectors during each inspection. We always ask that service providers take this opportunity. In the unlikely event that an issue of concern arises about the conduct of an inspection, then this document may be of assistance.

This has been developed as a resource for new and existing persons in charge.

It takes about 45 minutes to complete and can be accessed in one session or over multiple sessions but is not mandatory for any person in charge to complete this programme. The knowledge checks embedded in the programme are for self-learning purposes only. There is no limit on how many times you can access the programme.

The Chief Inspector within HIQA has hosted webinars and events for registered providers of disability services.

You can access information from these webinars and events at the links below.
Please also see the frequently asked questions documents, which were drafted to address the most common queries that arose during the webinars.