Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has launched a six-week public consultation, seeking feedback from the public on its updated National Standards for Residential Services for Disabled People.

 The National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities were first published in 2013, following approval by the Minister. The aim of the updated standards is to reflect changes in policy and to drive further improvements in the provision of residential services for disabled people, so that people living in or using residential services have the best outcomes possible.

HIQA conducted an evidence review in 2025 which found significant developments across the sector in recent years, with an increased focus on a human-rights based approach to care and support in legislation, including the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD) in 2018 and the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. 

These national standards are underpinned by four principles: a human rights-based approach, safety and wellbeing, responsiveness, and accountability.  

Key updates to these national standards include:

• a stronger focus on human rights-based and person-centred decision-making
• ensuring communication is tailored to each person’s individual needs
• improved support during transitions within and between services 
• clearer accountability and governance arrangements
• the use of appropriate technologies, including assistive technologies, communication technology and AI tools
• a focus on outcomes for the person using the service.  

These changes aim to ensure that people living in or using residential services receive coordinated, consistent and high-quality care focused on achieving positive outcomes. 

HIQA’s Director of Health Information and Standards, Rachel Flynn, said:

“The aim of this public consultation is to hear people’s views on the updated standards, including those who use and provide residential services for disabled people. 

Since 2013, there have been many changes to the sector, including legislative changes and a greater focus on a human rights-based approach to care. The updated standards address these changes and aim to further promote progressive quality improvements in these services. 

This update to the national standards aims to drive continuous improvement in residential disability services. The standards include the perspective of those who use residential services for disabled people, placing human rights and quality of life at the centre of care and support.”

HIQA is encouraging people who use residential disability services, family members, carers, staff, Disabled Persons’ Organisations, advocates, researchers and policy-makers and members of the public, to take part in the consultation. 

To support engagement, HIQA has developed a range of accessible consultation materials, including a Lámh-interpreted video and an Irish Sign Language-interpreted video. 

The public consultation will remain open until 5pm on 17 July 2026. 

Feedback can be provided by completing the online questionnaire or by downloading the feedback form and returning it by email or post. 

Email: 

standards@hiqa.ie 

Post:

Health Information and Quality Authority  
Updated National Standards for Residential Services for Disabled People Consultation
Head Office Cork
Unit 1301 
City Gate
Cork 
T12 Y2XT

Following the consultation, all feedback will be reviewed and used to help inform the final version of the national standards.

 To read the updated standards and take part in the consultation, click here.