Three centres for people with autism have been taken over by the HSE at the request of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

HIQA had significant concerns for the care and welfare of almost 50 residents at the three centres run by the Irish Society for Autism.

The centres taken over by the HSE are Cluain Farm and Dunfirth Farm in Co Meath as well as Sarshill House in Co Wexford.

The watchdog had increased monitoring at the centres and issued warning letters, but the situation did not improve sufficiently, resulting in the Chief Inspector issuing a Notice of Decision to Cancel and Refuse the registration of the three centres.

According to HIQA, the provider appealed the decision to the district court in the case of two of the centres, but later withdrew these appeals in court and the Health Service Executive (HSE) was directed to take charge of all three centres.

The society says it has been experiencing difficulty achieving regulation with HIQA and that it hopes the arrangement with the HSE will ensure the services can continue.