New Legislation Empowers HIQA to Oversee Home Support Services

The Government of Ireland announced significant changes that will expand the responsibilities of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). Under a new framework aimed at strengthening adult safeguarding and home support services, HIQA will gain regulatory powers to oversee compliance in these areas.

The announcement coincides with the launch of Ireland’s first national policy framework on adult safeguarding, detailed by Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The Minister emphasized that the legislation to underpin these responsibilities will be expedited in 2025.

Expanded Role for HIQA

The new policy framework includes plans for HIQA to provide independent oversight of adult safeguarding services within the health and social care sector, particularly those delivered by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 was also published, granting HIQA the authority to monitor compliance with regulations pertaining to home support providers.

Minister Carroll MacNeill described the policy as a commitment to a robust safeguarding system, stating, “It provides for a holistic approach to safeguarding with an emphasis on empowerment, prevention, and effective response and intervention.” She underscored the fundamental right of every individual to safety, declaring that “abuse or neglect of any adult at risk of harm is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”

The framework mandates that service providers perform risk evaluations, develop adult safeguarding statements, and ensure staff are adequately trained. Additionally, it introduces mandatory reporting of incidents under specific circumstances. The National Independent Review Panel (NIRP) will also see enhancements, placing its serious incident learning reviews on a statutory basis.

New Requirements for Home Support Providers

The proposed legislation will apply to all health and social care providers, including public, voluntary, and private sectors. The HSE will lead the coordination of adult safeguarding across the sector, with legislative provisions ensuring that existing safeguarding structures operate independently.

Among the key changes is the introduction of new powers for safeguarding teams, including the ability to obtain court protection orders. The Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 will amend the Health Act of 2007, establishing a registration framework for home support providers. It will be illegal to operate a home support service without this registration.

Minister Carroll MacNeill noted, “In a first for Ireland, this Bill will introduce the registration and regulation of professional home support services by HIQA and the Chief Inspector of Social Services.” This regulation aims to ensure that all service users receive high-quality care meeting national standards.

Once enacted, the new laws will prohibit unregistered providers from offering home support services. Registered providers will be required to comply with ministerial regulations, ensuring a consistent standard of care across the country.

Minister of State for Older People Kieran O’Donnell highlighted the importance of these measures, stating, “Home Support is a vital service that is delivered to many people across the country every day. It is essential that it is properly regulated nationwide.” He reiterated that the Bill represents a significant step toward creating a statutory homecare scheme, allowing individuals to remain in their homes longer.

The Ministers will now present the Bill to the Oireachtas for consideration. Following approval by the Dáil and Seanad and the President’s signature, the new legislation will become law. A commencement date will soon be established by Minister Carroll MacNeill, marking a new era for home support services in Ireland.