Nearly 4,000 safeguarding concerns were recorded across adult disability services in Ireland during the first six months of 2026, according to new data released by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Figures obtained through parliamentary questions by Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide reveal that 3,935 safeguarding concerns were reported up to the end of June 2026. The figure compares with 5,621 total concerns registered across the entirety of 2025. Safeguarding issues encompass alleged neglect alongside physical, psychological, sexual, financial, and institutional abuse involving vulnerable adults.

Of the concerns registered during the first half of 2026, 830 remained open at the end of June. The data also indicates that 297 notifications were made to An Garda Síochána from closed safeguarding cases between January and June, following 431 police notifications arising from closed cases in 2025.

Deputy Quaide described the volume of reports as deeply concerning and highlighted gaps in public oversight. He noted that existing HSE data fails to distinguish between services run directly by private operators and those managed on a voluntary or non-profit basis. Quaide argued that the findings demonstrate an overwhelming need for an independent statutory safeguarding authority to ensure uniform reporting and accountability across all service providers.

Safeguarding Ireland Chair Patricia Rickard-Clarke stated that the figures reflect structural inadequacies in Ireland's adult protection framework. She called for cross-sectoral legislation to establish legally binding safeguarding standards and stronger protective measures across health and social care services.