Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
638. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if HIQA will be following closely the situation in Irish nursing homes acquired by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHIQA has advised my Department that it is aware of the recent reports pertaining to Orpea and its operations in France. HIQA has further advised that Orpea is not the registered provider of any nursing home in Ireland and as such, is not subject to regulation by the Chief Inspector of Social Services. That said, Orpea is the parent company of a significant number of companies registered to operate nursing homes in Ireland, and these companies are therefore subject to the regulatory oversight of the Chief Inspector.
Orpea Ireland has engaged with the Chief Inspector and provided assurances that the issues under investigation in France have no bearing on operations in Ireland.
The Chief Inspector has statutory responsibility for independently regulating Nursing Homes for compliance with Regulations and the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People. As the independent regulator of nursing homes, the Chief Inspector determines the appropriate approach and interventions required to monitor and ensure compliance with the regulatory framework. The Chief Inspector will continue to maintain oversight of all nursing homes in Ireland through inspection and the receipt and review of information. My officials and I will continue to engage with HIQA in regard to its functions and activities.
