Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1519. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to concerns raised in a press release (details suppled) in respect of a case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37264/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (1519)
Written answers
I welcomed the HSE’s unequivocal apology for the failures in Emily’s care. I also very much welcomed the decision of the Health Service Executive’s CEO to appoint a safeguarding expert from another jurisdiction. The CEO commissioned Ms Jackie McIlroy and assigned her with two Terms of Reference.
Term of Reference 1 to commence on Monday, 3 July for a six-week duration, after which the second Term of Reference will begin, spanning a further 16 weeks.
The Terms of Reference set are as follows:
1. To review the relevant reports “Emily” (specifically NIRP, CHO Safeguarding, NIRP Summary) and conduct any engagements necessary to advise the HSE CEO on the specific question as follows; Based on the material available and considering best practice is a further examination of individual records warranted such as would likely identify past harm and if so is that examination limited to particular scope and time or full lookback. Report 6 weeks from start.
2. Against the backdrop of the examination but not limited to that, to conduct a high-level review of the HSE safeguarding policy, procedures, structures and advise the CEO on possible options for the future of safeguarding recognising that the HSE has roles in safeguarding in both the community and alternative care settings for adults. Report 16 weeks from start.
On Friday, 1 September the CEO received Ms McIlroy’s report in respect of TOR1, which I understand, subject to a short timeline of processing, will be published in full, no later than the start of October.
The Government takes the protection of adults at risk of abuse very seriously. The independent Law Reform Commission is undertaking a review on A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding which is expected to inform future legislation on adult safeguarding across all sectors. Upon completion, the Department of Health will consider any recommendations the Commission may make where relevant to the Department's functions and I anticipate that other Departments will do the same.
Specifically, within the health and social care sector, there are various structures and processes currently in place to protect against abuse and to ensure prompt action. To further strengthen this framework, the Department is at an advanced stage of developing an overarching national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector. The Department is preparing for a public consultation commencing in the coming weeks and a costing study, prior to submitting a costed draft policy to Government for its approval. Subject to Government approval, this sectoral policy will further strengthen the sector’s adult safeguarding framework and will apply to all public, voluntary and private healthcare and social care settings. In the event that the Government approves this sectoral policy, legislation as required to underpin it will then be prepared.