I propose to take Questions Nos. 1240, 1241 and 1244 together.
The staffing structure provides for 32 Social Workers (Senior Case Workers) and 4 Dedicated Elder Abuse Officers. Among the responsibilities of the Senior Case Worker, in conjunction with the appropriate health service providers, is the assessment/investigation and provision of supports, where necessary, in relation to suspected cases of elder abuse. The duties of Dedicated Elder Abuse Officers include overseeing, reviewing and development of policies at local and national level.
Each year since 2009, the HSE has published a detailed report on developments in the HSE elder abuse service. It outlines current structures, work undertaken in the previous year and provides a detailed analysis of statistics in relation to elder abuse referrals during the previous year. The reports also identify the various training and awareness programmes undertaken by the HSE. The reports are available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/ Older_People_Services/Elder_Abuse/Resources1/. In addition, statistical information relating to elder abuse referrals has been included in the HSE’s National Service Plan and in the Performance Monitoring Reports (reported on a quarterly basis) since 2010. These reports are also available on the HSE website.
As the Deputy's question also relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.