This report provides a broad overview of the social care sector in Ireland and the regulations and standards that govern its provision. It sets out an argument for regulatory reform by illustrating the challenges that the Chief Inspector of Social Services within the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) experiences when inspecting compliance with regulations that are not wholly effective.

The report also highlights some key areas where greater accountability is needed in terms of the procurement and commissioning of social services. This report aims to assist policy-makers to design a regulatory system that is agile, receptive, reactive to change and proportionate in its response, while ensuring the rights of people using services are upheld. 

We have created a series of videos which will outline the key changes we believe are necessary to future proof health and social care in Ireland. You can view them as they are uploaded below.