Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

Absolutely. I assure Deputy Clarke that I want to bring forward safeguarding legislation as quickly as possible. In the programme for Government we have committed to bringing forward a safeguarding policy. The Government must give approval to proceed with the legislation on safeguarding. I want to bring it forward as quickly as possible, in conjunction with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I will work on that on a cross-party basis.

The Law Reform Commission did a very good body of work. Deputy Clarke referenced some of what it said. We will be considering all aspects that should be included in the safeguarding legislation. However, it is worth noting that issues have been referred by HIQA to An Garda Síochána, along with the owners of nursing homes. Currently, there are tools allowing for matters to be referred to An Garda Síochána.