The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health will hold a key meeting today, Wednesday 18th June, to scrutinise standards of care in Irish nursing homes following a series of recent controversies.
Chaired by Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Pádraig Rice, the meeting will focus on care practices, oversight procedures, and the broader challenges facing the sector.
The session will be split into two parts. First to appear before the Committee are representatives from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), including CEO Angela Fitzgerald, Chief Inspector of Social Services Finbarr Colfer, and Deputy Chief Inspector Susan Cliffe, who is responsible for services for older persons.
Later in the morning, at 11:00am, Minister of State Kieran O'Donnell will appear before the Committee. Minister O'Donnell holds responsibilities across the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Deputy Rice said the Committee will seek accountability and clarity following public concern over reports of substandard care in some nursing homes.
“The recent controversies highlighting poor practices within Irish nursing homes have been both shocking and unacceptable," he said. "Our meeting with HIQA and the Minister will allow us to get detailed information on how these conditions and attitudes were allowed.”
He added that the Committee will focus on issues such as the accuracy and credibility of inspection reports, as well as staffing levels and resource requirements.
“We will seek assurances that regulations are in place so that Ireland’s nursing homes are well staffed and resourced, ensuring that our older people are treated in a safe and caring environment. We will also be discussing the privatised model of nursing care and the ongoing issues with inadequate homecare,” Deputy Rice said.
The hearing will be available to watch live via Oireachtas TV and on the Oireachtas smartphone app.
