1280. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 407 of 11 July 2024, to provide an update on his Department's consideration of the Law Reform Commission's report entitled 'A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding', and its recommendations; if work has begun on drafting a new safeguarding Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45269/24]

Safeguarding at-risk adults against abuse is of paramount importance and is taken very seriously by the Government.  I have welcomed the independent Law Reform Commission’s Report on ‘A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding’ published in April. The Report sets out comprehensive and wide-ranging recommendations that have relevance across a range of Government Departments, including but not exclusive to the Department of Health.  I anticipate that the Commission's Report will be carefully considered by all relevant Departments in relation to their respective functions. The Department of Health will continue to work in partnership with other relevant Departments in this regard.

Separately, the Department of Health, in liaison with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, is at an advanced stage of developing a national policy on adult safeguarding specifically in respect of the health and social care sector, in order to further strengthen existing protections in this sector.  A public consultation closed earlier this year and the consultation feedback report is currently being prepared by the Institute of Public Health.  It is expected that these sectoral policy proposals will be finalised and brought to Government in early 2025, informed by the consultation process and also the Law Reform Commission’s report. Subject to Government approval of this national sectoral policy, legislation as required to underpin the approved policy will thereafter be prepared.