IHRD-86
Response
Accepted
Expand RQIA Remit and Resources
Recommendation
The Department should expand both the remit and resources of the RQIA in order that it might (i) maintain oversight of the SAI process (ii) be strengthened in its capacity to investigate and review individual cases or groups of cases, and (iii) scrutinise adherence to duty of candour.
Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
- The Department of Health NI stated in March 2018 that RQIA's remit and resources were under review (IHRD Implementation Programme, Department of Health NI, March 2018).
- RQIA's remit has not been meaningfully expanded to include oversight of the SAI process or strengthened investigatory capacity as recommended.
- A fundamental review of health and social care regulation was announced but was delayed by the suspension of the NI Assembly (2022-2024).
- No further published evidence of substantial expansion has been identified.
- RQIA's remit has not been meaningfully expanded to include oversight of the SAI process or strengthened investigatory capacity as recommended.
- A fundamental review of health and social care regulation was announced but was delayed by the suspension of the NI Assembly (2022-2024).
- No further published evidence of substantial expansion has been identified.
Sources
How was this evidence gathered?
Evidence searched by Claude (Anthropic) on 17 Jul 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted
Accepted
Department of Health NI
01 Mar 2018
RQIA remit and resources under review. Some expanded oversight implemented.
Source
Inquiry
Hyponatraemia Inquiry
Report
Report of the Inquiry into Hyponatraemia-related Deaths
31 Jan 2018
Responsible Bodies
Department of Health NI
Primary
Themes & Tags
Recommendation age
8.5 yrs
Last formal update
910 days ago