Dáil recalled early to pass care legislation

THE Government yesterday announced that the Dáil will be recalled a week early in January to allow the passage of two pieces of legislation aimed at nursing homes and residential centres.

The Health Information Quality Authority and the Social Service Inspectorate will both be presented to the Dáil by Health Minister Mary Harney on January 24, a week ahead of the scheduled return date of January 31.

A Government spokesman said yesterday that Ms Harney had requested the early return of both the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tánaiste Michael McDowell to facilitate the early passing of the legislation.

They will provide the basis for improving inspection, oversight and quality issues in all residential centres and health facilities in the State.

The new legislation follows long-running controversies over the standards and inspection of residential centres, which first came to public attention when RTÉ exposed the conditions that pertained in the Leas Cross nursing home.

In a statement last night, the Government said the legislation would be brought by Ms Harney to Cabinet on Tuesday.

It continued: “The legislation will, for the first time, provide for the Social Services Inspectorate to have a strong independent statutory role in inspecting nursing homes and other residential places.

“The legislation will provide for clear standards of care to be independently enforced for all nursing homes, public and private.”