Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 6

Written Answers. - Elderly at Risk.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

156 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the number of reported cases of abuse of the elderly which have been brought to the attention of his Department in 1989 and 1990; if he will take steps to introduce guidelines for improved recognition of such abuse by the health service professionals; and if he will establish a formalised procedure involving care teams and directors of community care.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon):

No cases of abuse of the elderly were formally reported to me in 1989 or 1990.

The health boards maintain registers of "Elderly at Risk" and their professional staff are on the alert for possible abuse of the elderly. I am satisfied that these health care personnel are competent to recognise any cases of abuse and deal with them as necessary.

In these circumstances I have no plans at present to introduce a formal reporting procedure but I am prepared to reconsider the matter should the necessity arise.