Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2016
35. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to address the deficits in the legislative powers given to the HSE in the 2007 Health Act in protecting vulnerable adults in different settings as outlined by the chief executive of HIQA recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37946/16]
View answerA National Safeguarding Committee was established in December 2015 with the overarching remit to support the development of a societal and organisational culture which promotes the rights of persons who may be vulnerable and safeguard them from abuse. It is a multi-agency and inter-sectoral body with an independent chair and will publish its Strategic Plan 2017 – 2021 on 20 December 2016. This plan includes the strategic objective of informing and influencing Government policy and legislation to safeguard the rights of people who may be vulnerable, including a focus on issues such as adult safeguarding, advocacy, the use of chemical restraint and deprivation of liberty.
The Health Service Executive has operational responsibility for planning, managing and delivering home and other community-based services for older people and people with a disability. However, as highlighted recently by the HIQA CEO, homecare services are currently not formally regulated. It is accepted that there is a need to regulate the sector but a significant amount of preparatory work is required in advance of this. The Department has asked the Health Research Board to review how homecare services are funded and regulated in comparable jurisdictions. The HRB review is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
On the Mental Health side, following the publication last year of the Expert Group Review of the Mental Health Act, Government has approved plans to significantly improve and update mental health legislation which primarily deals with admission to and treatment in psychiatric hospitals of adults and children diagnosed with mental illness. Work has begun on amending this legislation guided by the recommendations of the Review. A draft bill is expected in mid-2017.
