Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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343. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role of the HSE safeguarding team in regard to a person with a disability (details supplied) who is awaiting the outcome of a trust in care investigation; if he will provide the details on what the HSE has done to assist in safeguarding the service user in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18659/23]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this issue.

Adult safeguarding is an important matter for all of society, agencies, and Government Departments. I take all concerns regarding the abuse/mistreatment of vulnerable adults very seriously.

On the matter of Safeguarding, I am informed that significant work is ongoing to further strengthen and enhance policy and legislation in the health and social care sector, led by the Department of Health, building on the robust structures already in place.

I understand the Department of Health is currently finalising the development of an overarching national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care (including disability) sector.

My Department will liaise with the Department of Health on how this policy relates to specialist community based disability services.

As the question raised relates to an individual case, I am referring it to the HSE for direct reply to the deputy.