The number of referrals of concern to the HSE's safeguarding watchdog over alleged abuse of vulnerable adults increased by 14% last year and remains a "disturbing reality in Irish society".

“Granny dumping” in nursing homes, pilfering from pensions, and lack of clear obligation on the State to protect vulnerable adults are among the reasons adult safeguarding legislation was needed, an Oireachtas committee heard.

In the wake of the Grace and Áras Attracta abuse scandals, Claire O’Sullivan looks at the gap in law protecting vulnerable adults and what’s being done to close it.

One in three people have either personally witnessed or suspected the physical abuse of a vulnerable adult — very often in the home, Conall Ó Fatharta.