HIQA CEO Phelim Quinn spoke on the concept of responsibility at the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies' national conference on safeguarding vulnerable people.

In his speech, Mr Quinn called on the government to introduce, as a priority, adult safeguarding legislation to protect the most vulnerable in our society from abuse or exploitation.

Mr Quinn pressed for a review of the Health Act 2007 to ensure that regulation keeps pace with the growing nature and diversity of services being provided to vulnerable people.

He also emphasized that all vulnerable people in our society, including the homeless, prisoners, migrants and asylum seekers in Direct Provision, have the right to access high-quality, safe health and social care services and that the State has a duty to protect all vulnerable people living in residential settings.