Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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73. To ask the Minister for Health the legislative proposals he plans to bring forward in collaboration with other Departments to protect vulnerable adults from abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44410/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The safety and protection of vulnerable people in the care of the State is paramount. As the Deputy is aware, at the recent meetings of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health, the issue of adult safeguarding was extensively discussed. The Department outlined its intention to the Committee, subject to Government approval, to explore the development of an appropriate adult safeguarding policy for the health sector underpinned with such legislation as may be required.

The scope and content of a health sector policy on safeguarding and any legislation required will be informed by a major review by the HSE of its safeguarding policy, comprehensive policy and legal research, consultation with other Government Departments, key stakeholders and the public, and extensive evidence based policy analysis. However, I am hopeful that preliminary proposals on a high level approach can be brought to Government shortly. The development of health policy and legislation in this area is a complex undertaking and will, of necessity, take time and it is important that such proposals are built on the foundations of a clear, carefully considered, coherent and implementable policy.