Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1698. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health with regard to the Adult Safeguarding Bill 2017, which was supported by not just agencies involved in the protection of older people but by politicians throughout the political divide, the Stage the Bill is now at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38063/23]
View answerThe Adult Safeguarding Bill 2017 is a Private Members Bill which passed Second Stage in the Seanad in April 2017.
As a Private Members Bill, it is the responsibility of the sponsors of the Bill to request that it be scheduled for the next stage of the legislative progress.
Regarding adult safeguarding, 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, my Department will consider any recommendations the Commission may make where relevant to my 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, my 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.
