The Health watchdog is highlighting a failure to ensure a safe and good quality service for residents at a number of residential centres for people with disabilities.

Hiqa has issued 20 reports today following inspections of facilities across the country.

It has found there were a number of serious concerns with 13 of those inspected – including poor practices in relation to the management of medicine, fire safety and staff working conditions.

The inspected centres are run by a number of different organisations including the HSE, the Daughters of Charity and St John of God Services.

Hiqa is moving to assure the public that the failings are not widespread, with the majority of centres nationally found to observe good practices.