The HSE recorded 322 allegations of physical abuse of people over the age of 80 last year.

There were 348 allegations of financial abuse in the age group.

According to the latest annual report from the Health service’s National Safeguarding Office, more than 10,200 safeguarding concerns were recorded last year.

It marks a 9% decrease on 2019 – however, groups including Safeguarding Ireland have warned that the actual level of abuse in Ireland was likely much higher.

The concerns in the report include nearly 11,900 separate allegations.

Three-quarters of them allegedly took place within the health service, with 25% in the community.

The most frequent type of alleged abuse is psychological, followed by physical.

The concerns contain nearly 11,900 separate allegations.

Nearly 3,500 involved over-65s.

“What the report itself calls for - and this has been supported by Government for a long time but hasn’t been implemented – is the need for primary legislation in relation to adult safeguarding.

“The Government have said they want to deliver it but they still haven’t published the heads of the bill in relation to what the legislation will look like.

“Obviously that is something that needs to be a priority.”

Of all the concerns of abuse last year, 22% were allegedly committed by family members.

There were 288 allegations of neglect of over-80s, along with 53 relating to sexual abuse, and 497 connected to psychological abuse.

Deputy Cullinane said a range of actions need to be taken.

“We need legislation which underpins safeguarding, which we don’t have,” he said.

“We need a legal right of entry for whatever is the appropriate body to investigate any and all claims of abuse.

“We need to make sure that all age cohorts in care settings are properly protected and those most vulnerable are properly protected – and that also means mandatory reporting with consequences for not reporting something.”

In response to the report, Safeguarding Ireland also called for new primary legislation.

“Safeguarding Ireland welcomes the work of the nine HSE Safeguarding and Protection Teams across the country,” said SI chair Patricia Rickard-Clarke.

“However, RED C research commissioned by Safeguarding Ireland in 2020 found that 12% of all adults had experienced adult abuse in the previous six months and one-third of adults reported ever experiencing abuse.

“This data suggests that the actual level of abuse in the country is much higher than what is reported annually to the HSE Teams.”

Additional reporting Michael Staines