Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, Waterford TD David Cullinane, has this week been appointed to act as rapporteur for the Oireachtas Health Committee on the important issue of Adult Safeguarding.

Deputy Cullinane will lead an examination of adult safeguarding and prepare a report on behalf of the committee.

The Waterford TD highlighted the importance of adult safeguarding legislation in light of the recent RTÉ exposure of neglect and abuse in certain corporate-owned nursing homes, and the recent examination of nursing home care by the committee which showed that the system regulator, HIQA, lacks sufficient enforcement powers.

Deputy Cullinane said:

“The horrific and distressing scenes exposed by RTÉ must bring a renewed impetus to delivering modern adult safeguarding laws in Ireland.

“I have been calling for government to advance comprehensive adult safeguarding legislation since I was appointed as Sinn Féin’s Health Spokesperson, when it became very clear during the pandemic that existing protections for older people were not working.

“It has also become clear from the comittee’s engagement with HIQA that their enforcement powers are not sufficient for the modern environment.  Increasing corporate dominance and HIQAs inability to issue fines is, in my view, a challenge.

“The Executive in the North is advancing adult protection legislation, which was at first stage in Stormont earlier this month.  But years after first committing to this legislation, we are still waiting on the government of Dublin to bring forward an Adult Safeguarding Act.

“Last year, the Law Reform Commission completed an extremely important and detailed programme of work and have prepared draft legislation.  The Health Committee has commended this work and intends to take it further.  That is why we have agreed a special programme of work on safeguarding.

“My intention as rapporteur is to engage with the wide range of stakeholders who are involved in care of adults and those who have been advocating for change in this area, and to bring a report back to the committee with recommendations for a legislative framework.

“My intention is to conduct much of this work during the summer recess, and, with the support of the committee, to hold a public session with the main stakeholders later this year with a view to the committee publishing a report within a few months.”

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.