Health Minister 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 www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/legislation/2022-2027-mandate/primary-legislation-bills-22-27-mandate/adult-protection-bill/.
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 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.
