Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2024
259. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health whether he has plans to implement safeguarding legislation of the sort advocated by the Law Reform Commission and others seeking reform in the area. [15935/24]
View answerSafeguarding at-risk adults against abuse is of paramount importance and is taken very seriously by the Government.
My Department and other Government Departments and agencies have adult safeguarding roles or responsibilities appropriate to their functions. The independent Law Reform Commission has been undertaking a review and preparing draft legislation on A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding across all sectors. Upon completion, my Department 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.
Separately, my Department, in liaison with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, is at a very advanced stage of developing a national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and care sector, in order to further strengthen existing protections. A public consultation closed on 2 April and the consultation report will now be prepared by the Institute of Public Health. It is expected that costed policy proposals will be brought before Government around the end of this year, which will be informed by the consultation process and also the Law Reform Commission’s report. Subject to Government approval, such legislation as may be required to underpin the sectoral policy will then be prepared.
