§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce closer monitoring of the welfare of residents in private nursing and residential homes.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 16 January 1990]: We plan to bring forward proposals for a registered homes order later this year to consolidate and update the existing Northern Ireland legislation on the registration and inspection of private and voluntary residential and nursing homes. A policy paper on care in the community to be issued shortly by the Department of Health and Social Services will also address improvements in monitoring the quality of community care services, including those provided by the private sector.