There is “a need for a regulatory framework for adult safeguarding that goes beyond what is currently provided through the existing regulatory bodies”, the law reform body said.

A number of public bodies currently have responsibilities for various aspects of adult safeguarding in particular contexts. HIQA, for instance, regulates health and social care services, inspects services, and investigates allegations involving service providers.

A private member’s bill proposing the establishment of a national adult safeguarding authority was introduced in 2017 by Senator Colette Kelleher, who published her own report on adult safeguarding last month.

The issues paper launched by the Law Reform Commission today considers a range of possible regulatory models for adult safeguarding, such as the body or bodies who should regulate adult safeguarding, which could include existing regulatory bodies.

The paper also seeks the public’s views on the powers of such a body or bodies, the need for multi-agency coordination and collaboration and the rights-based guiding principles that should apply.

Contributors have been asked to make submissions or comments – verbally, by email or by post – by Thursday 30 April 2020.