Health Minister introduces Adult Protection Bill to Assembly
Date published:
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has introduced the draft Adult Protection Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has introduced the draft Adult Protection Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The draft legislation, if approved, will introduce additional protections to strengthen and underpin the adult protection process.
Minister Nesbitt said:
“The failings that we have seen at places like Muckamore Abbey Hospital and Dunmurry Manor Care Home should never have happened in the first place and must never happen again.
“This Bill is an important step to take in transforming our social care system and I hope that it will help to rebuild trust amongst those who have been let down in the past.
“I look forward to engaging with MLA colleagues as the Bill makes its way through the legislative process.”
The draft Bill is based on seven principles, which should be adhered to by everyone involved in adult protection.
These principles are prevention, autonomy, empowerment, dignity, proportionality, partnership and accountability.
New duties, powers and offences will also be introduced to strengthen and underpin the adult protection process and bring Northern Ireland in line with other parts of the UK where such legislation already exists.
The Bill can be read in full here.
Notes to editors:
- Following the high-profile adult safeguarding failures in Dunmurry Manor Care Home and Muckamore Abbey Hospital, the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland (COPNI) produced the Home Truths Report. A further independent review to examine the health and social care system’s response to care failings was carried out by CPEA (Independent Social Services Consultancy). Both these reviews recommended legislation to place adult safeguarding on a statutory footing in Northern Ireland.
- In September 2020, former Health Minister Robin Swann announced his intention to consult on legislative options to inform an Adult Protection Bill. The Consultation took place between December 2020 and April 2021.
- The Department of Health has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders throughout the development of the Adult Protection Bill. These have included statutory providers, other Departments, the Commissioner for Older People, representatives of the social care workforce, members of the voluntary and community sector, and people with lived experience and their families.
- The Second Stage of the Bill is expected to be heard before the summer recess. If Members agree, the Bill will subsequently move to Committee Stage.
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