Disability services publication statement 07 October 2019

Date of publication:

Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 18 inspection reports on designated centres for people with disabilities. HIQA inspects against the Health Act 2007 (Care and Support of Residents in Designated Centres for Persons (Children and Adults) with Disabilities) Regulations 2013 and the National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities, which apply to residential services for people with disabilities in Ireland. 

Of these 18 inspections, inspectors found a good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 15 centres, including in centres operated by Ability West; Brothers of Charity Services Ireland; Camphill Communities of Ireland; Carriglea Cáirde Services; Cheeverstown House CLG; CoAction West Cork CLG; Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services; and Dundas Ltd. At the time of inspection, the provider was ensuring a good standard of support and care that met residents’ needs in these 15 centres.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included:

  • residents were supported to be involved in the running of their house in a Cheeverstown House centre. Residents were happy to share responsibility for household activities such as cleaning, cooking, laundry and recycling which they saw as promoting their independence.
  • residents were supported to form relationships with people in the local community, and to take part in voluntary employment opportunities in order to build skills for paid employment in the future in a Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services centre.
  • residents were involved in the development of a lovely garden area in a Dundas Ltd centre and were very proud of it.
  • residents in Carriglea Cáirde Services were supported to have a very good social life. For example, one resident told inspectors about their plans to attend upcoming concerts and to take breaks away in hotels.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on three inspections in Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services centres. 

In one centre, many residents remained within the campus for much of the day, with limited opportunity to access the community or social activities. In another centre, residents’ needs were incompatible and this was impacting on the safety and quality of the service. In another centre operated by this provider, further action was required to ensure residents felt safe in their own home and were provided with improved choice in their daily lives. 

All reports and compliance plans are available on www.hiqa.ie.