Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 20 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 20 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 15 centres operated by a number of providers including: An Breacadh Nua; Autism Initiatives Ireland CLG; Avista CLG; Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG; Cheeverstown House CLG; Clann Mór Residential and Respite CLG; COPE Foundation; and Dundas Unlimited Company.

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Cork operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, staff spoke of positive experiences for residents promoted at the centre such as surfing lessons, yoga classes, and short holidays. Staff described how they had supported a resident to take a flight between two Irish airports and an overnight stay. They spoke about how the resident had coped with security checks and the wait for the plane, and how these experiences could be expanded upon for future travel goals.
• Residents at a centre operated by COPE Foundation in Cork were supported by staff to go on outings these included going for a walk with a staff, attending religious ceremonies and going for afternoon tea in a nearby hotel. 
• At a centre operated by Dundas Unlimited Company in Meath, residents were actively encouraged to make decisions for themselves. Residents were involved in a wide range of community activities such as music festivals, swimming, bowling and visits to museums. Residents were involved in the planning and purchase of football equipment for the garden. One resident was also supported to look into work experience in a local charity shop.

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

Poor governance was identified at two centres operated by Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG. Poor staffing arrangements at one centre impacted on the care that could be delivered to residents. In addition, residents’ risks were poorly managed by the provider. In the remaining centre, improvements were needed in fire safety and premises.

Poor governance was identified at a centre operated by Ability West. Poor management of safeguarding incidents impacted residents and improvements were needed in fire safety measures. At a centre operated by the COPE Foundation, improvements were needed to support residents to achieve their personal plans and development goals, including taking part in activities.

Finally, fire safety measures to protect residents required improvement at a centre operated by Clann Mór Residential and Respite CLG.