Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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604. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the Áras Attracta trust in care investigation outcome, and costs, as of September 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36363/24]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Safeguarding adults at risk against abuse is of paramount importance and I take the matter very seriously.

This Department (DCEDIY) is actively engaging from a disability perspective, with colleagues in the Department of Health, who are the lead on policy proposals for adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector. It is expected that the Department of Health’s sectoral policy framework will be brought before Government in due course, informed by the recent consultation process and the Law Reform Commission’s report ‘A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding’.

In addition, the HSE has published a high-level review of HSE policy, procedures, structures, and options for the future of safeguarding across all settings. The review, which was commissioned by HSE CEO Bernard Gloster, was undertaken by independent safeguarding expert Jackie McIlroy. Ms McIlroy outlines four key actions supported by detailed recommendations now required in order to address the issues she identified. These are as follows: embedding a safeguarding culture, increasing the visibility of safeguarding, supporting a strong change management process, and embedding a culture of learning and improvement.

I understand the HSE has now commenced a process to implement these recommendations and enable the development culture and practice across the HSE that places safeguarding at the centre of the services provided.

This Department will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders as required on this very important matter.