Adult Safeguarding Bill 2017

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The proposed law would create a new National Adult Safeguarding Authority to protect adults who are at risk of abuse or neglect. It sets out what counts as abuse, harm, neglect, sexual abuse and financial abuse, and gives the new authority powers to investigate concerns, inspect services, appoint independent advocates, and work with the HSE, Gardaí and other bodies. It also places a duty on a wide range of professionals — including doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, carers, bankers and some public-facing workers — to report concerns when they suspect an adult is being harmed or may be at risk. It matters because it would put a clearer, stronger system in place for spotting abuse earlier, responding faster, and giving vulnerable adults more protection and support.

Formal long title

for the purposes of making further and better provision for the care and protection of adults who are at risk; to establish the National Adult Safeguarding Authority; to require certain persons to make reports to the National Adult Safeguarding Authority in respect of adults at risk of abuse or harm in certain circumstances; and to provide for related matters

Last updated 5 March 2025