Dublin, 9 December 2025 — The Government has launched Ireland’s first National Policy Framework for Adult Safeguarding in the Health and Social Care Sector, marking a major step toward strengthening protections for adults at risk of abuse or harm. The framework was unveiled today by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister of State for Older People and Housing Kieran O’Donnell, with Government approval also secured to draft new legislation underpinning the policy’s commitments.
Designed to expand safeguarding across all public, private and voluntary health and social care services, the framework sets out new rights-based standards, expanded oversight mechanisms and strengthened responsibilities for providers. It also places a strong emphasis on empowerment, early prevention and rapid response when allegations of abuse arise.
A Rights-Based Model With Stronger Oversight
At the core of the framework is a commitment to autonomy and dignity, reflecting principles in the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015. The Health Service Executive (HSE) will take on new statutory duties as the national lead for safeguarding, with strengthened and more independent safeguarding structures.
Key measures include:
- Statutory HSE responsibility for coordinating adult safeguarding across the sector.
- New powers of entry for safeguarding teams and the ability to seek court protection orders.
- Extended HIQA remit to independently monitor adult safeguarding services.
- Mandatory reporting in specified circumstances.
- New obligations for providers, including risk evaluations, published safeguarding statements and staff training.
- A statutory basis for NIRP safeguarding reviews of serious incidents.
- Enhanced cooperation among service providers and state agencies.
Government Priorities and Sector Reaction
Minister Carroll MacNeill said the policy represents a “holistic approach to safeguarding” rooted in prevention, empowerment and effective intervention. She confirmed that adult safeguarding legislation will be advanced “as a matter of priority” in 2026.
Minister O’Donnell described the policy as a long-needed, sector-wide framework that “balances legislative reforms with a strengthened culture of safeguarding on the ground.” He emphasised the goal of ensuring poor practice or abusive behaviours “are not tolerated” across any service.
Minister Foley welcomed the added protections for disabled people, stressing that “safeguarding is everybody’s business,” while HSE Chief Social Worker Amanda Casey called the policy “another significant step” in embedding human rights within service delivery.
Next Steps
The new policy fulfils a major Programme for Government commitment and is informed by public consultation, service-user engagement, and key reports including the Law Reform Commission’s 2024 review and Jackie McIlroy’s independent assessment of HSE safeguarding structures.
The Department of Health will now begin drafting a General Scheme of a Safeguarding Bill, with dedicated implementation structures—featuring experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience—to guide the next phase.
