New health legislation brought before the Dáil today will bring about a safer health and social services system, the Minister for Health has said.
The legislation establishes a new Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), incorporating the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services. Amongst other powers, the body will be able to close nursing homes that fall below the required standard.
Speaking in the Dáil today during the second stage of the Health Bill, Mary Harney said it represents a crucial element of the Government's reform programme and is a "new departure" in health services.
The Dáil was recalled a week ahead of schedule in order to begin the second stage of the Bill.
"I believe the establishment of HIQA and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services will bring about a safer health and social services system which embeds quality at all levels and in all settings. We are learning from the past, and leaving the past behind. This Bill will put in place an essential part of the 21st century health service in Ireland.
She said the agency would, for the first time, set standards and monitor enforcement "in an open and transparent way.
Sstandards currently were inconsistent, incomplete and lacked transparency - and in some cases there were no standards, Ms Harney said.
"It gave us inconsistency of enforcement, some legal incapacity for enforcement of residential care standards, and gaps in the scope of enforcement in these settings.
"We are also leaving behind the old system where vital information in health was not comprehensively gathered, and assessment of new technologies and new drugs was not clearly and systematically made to serve the interests of patients and taxpayers alike.
"Step by step, in the reform programme and in legislation, we are leaving behind the old system. "
Ms Harney said that as soon as the legislation is enacted, the HIQA will be ready to use its powers. This meant that very soon there would be a "fully independent" inspectorate for all nursing homes, both public and private, as well as for centres for people with disabilities and children.
Ms Harney also outlined an amendment which she said she proposed to bring at the Committee Stage of the Bill, when it comes up for more detailed scrutiny by the Oireachtas.
A "whistleblowing" amendment would be proposed regarding the "protected disclosure of information", Ms Harney said.
"I am deeply conscious of the public concern and concerns expressed in this House regarding the level of protection provided to employees in the health service who raise issues concerning the safety and welfare of patients," she said.
Over 70 submissions were received from interest groups on the Bill.