Responses to parliamentary questions
Question from Deputy Liam Quaide - PQ 35353-26
Deputy Quaide asked about the guidance that has issued regarding the legal status of 'next-of-kin'. Read the HSE response.
From: Communications and Public Affairs
Published: May 2026
Updated: September 2026
Documents
Summary
To ask the Minister for Health the guidance that has issued to hospitals, nursing homes and HSE discharge teams on the legal status of 'next-of-kin'; whether she accepts that next-of-kin status does not, in itself, confer legal authority to consent to nursing-home placement on behalf of another adult; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
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