18/06/2025
Adult Protection Bill Following Safeguarding Failures
A draft Adult Protection Bill has been introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt following the high-profile adult safeguarding failures in Dunmurry Manor Care Home and Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
As a result of the failings, the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland (COPNI) produced the Home Truths Report before 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.
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 the adult protection process and bring Northern Ireland in line with other parts of the UK where such legislation already exists.
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.
The bill can be read in full here.
As a result of the failings, the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland (COPNI) produced the Home Truths Report before 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.
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.
"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 the adult protection process and bring Northern Ireland in line with other parts of the UK where such legislation already exists.
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.
The bill can be read in full here.
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