Health Minister Robin Swann has today launched a consultation into legislative options to bring forward a new Adult Protection Bill.
This follows the announcement by the Minister on 10 September 2020 that he would consult on legislative reform related to adult safeguarding before Christmas this year.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “The launch of this consultation marks a significant step forward in placing Adult Safeguarding on a statutory footing. Thankfully the challenge of dealing with abuse, exploitation or neglect is something the majority of us do not have to deal with. There are however some adults who are at significant risk of harm and it for those people that I want improved safeguarding arrangements put in place.”
The consultation will run for 12 weeks from 17 December to 11 March.
The Minister concluded: “This is the opportunity for everyone to have their voices heard. This is an issue that can affect all in society and I encourage everyone to make their views known on this important subject. Responses to this consultation will inform the development of a new Adult Protection Bill, which will put our reformed policy on a statutory footing.”
The consultation can be accessed through on the Department website The consultation period will run for twelve weeks closing at midnight on 11 March 2021.
Notes to editors:
- For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk
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- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
- The consultation can be accessed via the NI Direct website .