Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

707. To ask the Minister for Health the current status of the Adult Safeguarding Bill 2017; when it is likely to move to the next stage of the legislative process; if he will acknowledge that legislation is urgently needed to protect vulnerable adults; if he will provide clarity and a legal framework for those involved in their care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4525/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Adult Safeguarding Bill 2017 is a Private Members Bill which passed Second Stage in the Seanad in April 2017.  

As a Private Members Bill, it is the responsibility of the sponsors of the Bill to request that it be scheduled for the next stage of the legislative progress. 

Regarding adult safeguarding, the Government takes the protection of adults at risk of abuse very seriously. There are various structures and processes currently in place to protect against abuse in the health and social care sector and to ensure prompt action. My Department is at an advanced stage of developing a national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector.  Subject to Government approval, this policy will further strengthen the sector’s adult safeguarding framework and will apply to all public, voluntary and private healthcare and social care settings and agencies under my Department’s remit. In the event that the Government approves this sectoral policy, legislation as required to underpin it will then be prepared.

Separately, the independent Law Reform Commission is undertaking a review on A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding (across all sectors). Upon completion, this Department will consider any recommendations the Commission may make regarding legislation relevant to its functions and anticipates that other Departments will do the same.