Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published 32 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 32 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 22 centres operated by a number of providers including; An Breacadh Nua, Avista CLG, Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG, Camphill Communities of Ireland, COPE Foundation, GALRO Unlimited Company, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Examples of good practice observed by inspectors included: 

• At a centre in Wexford operated by An Breacadh Nua, staff had a good understanding of residents’ communication needs. The inspector observed residents being treated with dignity and respect throughout the inspection.
• At a centre in Dublin operated by Camphill Communities of Ireland, the provider promoted residents’ human rights through a dedicated committee and ensuring all staff had completed human-rights training. One staff member spoke about how important it was to ensure that they consider residents' perspectives and ''listen to their voice'' to make a positive impact. 
• At a centre in Cork operated by the COPE Foundation, residents were supported to communicate in accordance with their own choices and needs. All residents had recently been supported to have a communication assessment to ensure communication methods used were effective, and consistently implemented by staff.

Inspectors identified poor levels of non-compliance with the regulations and standards in 10 centres operated by four providers. 

At one centre operated by the HSE, inspectors continued to have concerns about the impact of the unsuitable premises on residents. Furthermore, residents had limited access to activities and their healthcare needs were not effectively monitored. At another HSE centre, improvements were required in medication management, while another centre required improvements to its premises. 

At three Avista CLG centres, poor governance and management arrangements were impacting on residents’ day-to-day lives. The Chief Inspector issued immediate actions to the provider in two centres to ensure residents and their finances were safeguarded.

Issues with governance and management were also found in four centres operated Brothers of Charity Services Ireland CLG. Further improvements were needed across these centres in areas such as safeguarding, fire safety and the premises.