Minister Brady welcomes work of the Elder Abuse Service

The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Kildare North TD, Áine Brady has welcomed the publication of the Review of Elder Abuse Service which reports on progress to date.

“The Elder Abuse Service is comprised of a dedicated staffing structure throughout the country that works together to collect data, operate oversight mechanisms and training programmes.”

“There is more work to be done in the area of Elder Abuse, but I am confident that there now exists a positive framework to progress this vital work.”

“This report has shown that there is significant progress in the health sector.”

“There were over 1,800 allegations of elder abuse referred to the HSE in 2008 and this Government is committed to tackling each complaint.”

“The Review makes three recommendations including strengthening existing institutional arrangements; accelerating progress on existing recommendations and addressing emerging areas of concern.”

“It is essential that everything that can be done is done to protect older people who may be vulnerable due to old age, illness or incapacity.”

“I am confident that the HSE is working hard on the issue but tackling elder abuse relies on the responsible people reporting suspicions they may have to a public health nurse, a member of the Gardaí, any professional or care worker, their bank on solicitor. I would urge anyone with concerns to act on them,” concluded Minister Brady.