04/06/2026
Public consultation on updated National Standards for Residential Services for Disabled People
On 04 June 2026, HIQA launched a six-week public consultation to give people an opportunity to provide their feedback on the updated National Standards for Residential Services for Disabled People.
The National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities were first published in 2013, following approval by the Minister. The aim of the updated standards is to reflect changes in policy and to drive further improvements in the provision of residential services for disabled people, so that people living in or using residential services have the best outcomes possible.
HIQA conducted an evidence review in 2025 https://www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/standard/evidence-review-residential-services-children-and-adults which found significant developments across the sector in recent years, with an increased focus on a human-rights based approach to care and support in legislation, including the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD) in 2018 and the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. These national standards are underpinned by four principles: a human rights-based approach, safety and wellbeing, responsiveness, and accountability.
Key updates to these national standards include:
* a stronger focus on human rights-based and person-centred decision-making
* ensuring communication is tailored to each person’s individual needs
* improved support during transitions within and between services * clearer accountability and governance arrangements
* the use of appropriate technologies, including assistive technologies, communication technology and AI tools
* a focus on outcomes for the person using the service.
These changes aim to ensure that people living in or using residential services receive coordinated, consistent and high-quality care focused on achieving positive outcomes.
As a key stakeholder, HIQA would like to invite you and your organisation to contribute to this public consultation. We are also requesting that you raise awareness of this consultation among your colleagues, and those with experience of residential services for disabled people and encourage them to participate. To support engagement, HIQA has developed a range of accessible consultation materials, including a Lámh-interpreted video and an Irish Sign Language-interpreted video. The updated national standards, evidence review, accessible videos and further information, including how to submit a response are available on the HIQA website, here: https://www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/consultation/public-consultation-updated-national-standards-residential
We will carefully assess all information received and use it, along with other evidence, to update the standards. The closing date for the public consultation is 5pm on Friday 17 July 2026.
If you have any questions on this, please contact [email protected].
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
HIQA Health and Social Care Standards Team
Search Filters Area Year Keywords Evidence review: Residential services for children and adults with disabilities Status: Published on 04 Sep 2025 Download Document In 2013, HIQA published National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities. Since then, there have b...
