Extra €3m for HIQA

It is understood that the Au­thority was frustrated with delays in approval by the Department of Health of its business plan for 2018, which made it difficult to plan activities for the year.

The confirmed funding alloca­tion has been strongly welcomed by HIQA CEO Mr Phelim Quinn, who has described the increase as “substantial”.

“HIQA is pleased with the allo­cation sanctioned as it will ena­ble HIQA to undertake important work in areas identified by us in our business plan to the Depart­ment of Health,” Mr Quinn told MI.

“The allocation reflects on HIQA’s need to evolve and mature as an organisation working on be­half of people who use our health and social care services.”

The Authority will receive €16.269 million for the year, which is €3.146 million more than it received in 2017.

The funding will go towards new activities such as monitoring ionising radiation, the expansion of the National Patient Experience Survey and a new regulatory re­gime for special care units for chil­dren with challenging behaviour.

An additional 20-to-25 staff are also expected to be hired this year to cope with additional areas com­ing under HIQA’s remit. Current staffing is 228.

The Authority will now submit a revised business plan for 2018 in line with the confirmed funding allocation.

In addition, HIQA has started work on its new corporate plan, which will set the agenda for the organisation for the next three years.

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