Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 28 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 28 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 20 centres operated by a number of providers including Horizons, St Joseph's Foundation, Talbot Care Unlimited Company, Muiríosa Foundation, Nua Healthcare Services Limited, S O S Kilkenny CLG, St Michael's House, Talbot Care Unlimited Company, The Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, The Rehab Group, Waterford Intellectual Disability Association Company Limited By Guarantee and Western Care Association.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Carlow, operated by the Cheshire Foundation in Ireland, it was evident that residents were fully supported to be involved in the centre and the care they received. One resident described how they were part of the centre’s residents committee and they were exploring how the committee could be further developed. Residents had also participated in interview panels for the recruitment of staff at the centre.
• At a centre in Cavan, operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company, residents were supported in developing life skills for independence. One resident described learning to cook meals, already preparing their own breakfast and lunch. Another resident shared their progress in walking independently to the local town and planning to learn public transport use. Two residents discussed staff support in their plans to transition to more independent living arrangements.
• In Kildare, at a centre operated by Muiríosa Foundation,  a resident showed the inspector a completed garden project, including a replica old-style cottage reminiscent of family homes. The garden also featured a restored childhood tractor, a sensory area, raised flower beds, and a seating space. Residents and staff collaborated on the thoughtful design, creating a meaningful and engaging space.
   

Non-compliances that impacted on the delivery of care and support to residents were identified in eight other centres.

Poor governance at two centres operated by the Rehab Group was found in relation to safeguarding plans and staffing as well as previously identified concerns associated with fire safety. In addition, at another centre operated by the Rehab Group, improvements were required in relation to areas such as the storage and availability of food for residents.

Continuity of care for residents through sufficient and consistent staffing was identified as requiring improvement at a centre operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company. 
At another centre operated by Talbot Care Unlimited Company, poor governance in the area of medicine management protocols was identified and required review to ensure residents’ needs were met, as well as improvements to positive behaviour support plans and interventions.

Improvements were required in relation to the resourcing and supervision of staff at a centre operated by Avista, which had the potential to negatively impact residents' care. At a centre operated by Western Care Association, improvements to residents’ rights and the premises were required. 

Finally, poor governance impacted on the safety of residents at a centre operated by Muiríosa Foundation, with improvements required in areas such as fire safety.