Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 29 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 29 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 16 centres operated by a number of providers including; Enable Ireland Disability Services Limited, GALRO Unlimited Company, Gheel Autism Services CLG, Health Service Executive (HSE), Kerry Parents and Friends Association, North West Parents and Friends Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability, Nua Healthcare Services Limited, Praxis Care, and Resilience Healthcare Limited.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Westmeath operated by GALRO Unlimited Company, residents had access to a large back garden with a picnic bench, a basketball net, a trampoline and a spider web. Each resident had their own bedroom and each room had an en-suite facility. Residents communicated that they were happy living in their home and that staff were nice.
• At a centre in Kerry operated by Kerry Parents and Friends Association, interactions between staff and residents were observed to be positive and respectful while promoting the residents’ means of communication. Staff members who inspectors spoke with were knowledgeable about the support needs of the residents and the measures in place for the oversight of day-to-day operations of the centre. Many residents attended local day service, while some had been supported to retire and live a more relaxed life of their choosing.
• At a centre in Mayo operated by Praxis Care, the inspector found the premises to be suitably furnished and decorated, and there was adequate communal and private space for all residents. Residents had their own bedroom with an en-suite, and they also had use of sitting rooms, a sensory room and an activity room. The centre also had a secure back garden with appropriate facilities for the residents, as well as a large space to the front of the house.

Inspectors identified non-compliance with the regulations and standards on a further 13 inspections. 

Four non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by the HSE. Issues were identified such as the management of safeguarding incidents, infection prevention and control, fire safety and staffing arrangements. 

A centre operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG required improvements in residents’ personal plans, staff training and overall governance.

Two reports have been published on centres operated by SOS Kilkenny CLG. Improvements were required in staffing and the suitability of the premises. 

Two non-compliant reports have been published on centres operated by Nua Healthcare Services Limited. Non-compliance was identified in different areas such as staffing, managing medications and residents’ rights. 

A centre operated by Delta Centre CLG was found to be non-compliant due to issues in relation to residents’ finances and privacy. Better governance was required at a centre operated by Peter Bradley Foundation CLG, and better management of medication was required at a centre operated by Resilience Healthcare Limited.

Finally, management of medications and records required improvement at a centre operated by Praxis Care.