Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. At this point, we will do this as soon as possible. I do not want to give a firm timeline here in the Dáil and then not be able to honour it because of factors outside our control, but there is no time to waste here. We have existing patient safety and safeguarding legislation, but clearly it should be strengthened and updated. We will get this done as soon as possible.

I should put on the record of the House that the HSE's adult safeguarding policy includes a zero-tolerance approach that requires staff to report all abuse concerns, criminal or otherwise. Nursing homes are required today to have in place policies and procedures to ensure residents are protected from abuse. They are also required to provide training for staff to ensure they can recognise, respond to and report any suspected abuse allegations. If immediate risks to the safety of residents are identified, they are expected to take action and prevent a recurrence. This can also include, where required, a referral to An Garda Síochána. They are also required to notify the chief inspector of HIQA of any suspected or alleged actual abuse within three days. It is clear that did not happen in these cases. We must ask ourselves why and then take any actions we can to ensure there is no recurrence.

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