4022. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health whether consideration is being given to increasing the frequency of unannounced inspections of nursing homes by HIQA and other relevant authorities, including inspections focusing on standards of care, staffing levels, food quality and the treatment of residents and their families; whether additional measures are planned to identify deficiencies that may not be evident during scheduled inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64045/26]

The Chief Inspector of Social Services, in the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), is the national independent regulator of all designated centres for older people in Ireland, including public community nursing units and private nursing homes.

Department of Health officials directed this query to HIQA who have requested more time to deal with this request.

As soon as the information is to hand it will be supplied to the Deputy.