New standards of care for children and adults with disabilities in residential centres come into force today.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has been given the power to inspect all residential services including those run by the Health Service Executive (HSE), as well as private and voluntary services.

1,300 designated centres are catering for 9,000 disabled people. The Department of Health has allocated 42 additional staff to HIQA to help them deal with increased workload.

It is the first time any of these centres have been subject to independent inspection.

HIQA has described the day as a "milestone" for Ireland. Phelim Quinn, Director of Regulation at HIQA, said "From now on, children and adults who use disability services and their families will know what they should expect, and service providers will know what is expected of them in delivering a person-centred, high quality and safe service".

Residential services will be inspected against the National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities, which was published in May.

HIQA says if its inspectors find a service is unsafe, or the National Standards and regulations are not being met, it will have the legal power to take a number of actions "in the best interest of those living in the residential service".

The Junior Minister with responsibility for people with disabilities Kathleen Lynch says the new standards cover a wide range of areas.

 Inclusion Ireland works to promote the rights of people with disabilities and has welcomed the new standards. Communications Manager Siobhan Kane says they will cover a wide range of areas.