Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

112. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of elder abuse; if there are data collated by an Garda Síochána in respect of incidents reported of elder abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25781/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that people, especially the most vulnerable, across Ireland are safe and feel safe.

Elder abuse causes great harm to the victim, and violates their human and civil rights. The Health Service Executive leads the government’s approach to tackling elder abuse. Through the establishment of Safeguarding Ireland, the HSE has published a range of information to help those who may be at risk of elder abuse identify that they are a victim and access the supports they need.

If anyone believes they are the victim of elder abuse, or suspect that someone they know may be a victim, they should contact their nearest HSE Safeguarding and Protection Team. Alternatively, they should contact their local health centre, GP, public health nurse or An Garda Síochána and talk to someone about what has been happening.

The Department of Social Protection will also act on any reports it receives of alleged abuse of its pension/benefit recipients, consulting or involving as appropriate other relevant agencies such as the HSE or An Garda Síochána. Investigations of alleged abuse are coordinated by the Safeguarding Unit in that Department.

I am committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible and effective An Garda Síochána who can assist those in need of support.

This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion in Budget 2024 which is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff.

In addition to supporting the work of the HSE, An Garda Síochána has also proactively sought to raise awareness of crimes specific to older people, with campaigns headed by the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit such as the ‘Don’t Turn Your Back Campaign’ highlighting the issue of elder abuse.

An Garda Síochána, last year, published their National Older Persons Plan 2023-2025 which outlines how they are committed to ensuring the policing needs of older people in Ireland are met.

There are numerous crime prevention information campaigns published by An Garda Síochána that are of assistance in providing older people with valuable information to assist in combatting and preventing crimes such as ‘Personal Safety – Security for the Older Persons’ and ‘Personal Safety - Bogus Traders/Callers’ as well as Community Policing based initiatives such as the Community Text Alert scheme which was designed in consultation with Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and the Irish Farmers Association.

An Garda Síochána assigns a Crime Prevention Officer to each Division and officers are available to assist people with any crime prevention advice and assistance they might require. These officers are highly trained and will offer help and specific advice to vulnerable groups.

Community Policing Units in each Division also take on the responsibility to build and develop positive relationships within the community and for that reason are invaluable in reaching older people to offer advice and be a trusted support if required.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that there is no incident type on PULSE specific to ‘elder abuse’ and as such it is not possible to collate data in relation to incidents of elder abuse.