Ms Suzy Byrne:

In relation to training and resources, the NAS has been involved in providing information and supporting training across the health, social care and banking sectors, including the credit union movement. When we were getting ready, we had a long period of time between the passing of the initial legislation and the commencement. We were extensively involved in providing information to support, in particular, the guiding principles on the rights of people to make decisions and to be seen as decision-makers. We continue to do that and support that. I am thinking particularly about people who are working in health and social care. This is a big change process in all of those sectors, and we understand that.

There is also the continuing understanding of what advocacy is, what independent advocacy is and how it is distinguished from other supports that people may have or require. In terms of the information and resources required, apart from the case that we are making that there needs to be extensive resourcing of independent advocacy, we also think the public information campaigns for this legislation need to be enhanced and continued to continue the wider understanding of what this legislation is, what it means and what the guiding principles are. This would mean that when people are presenting and trying to conduct transactions in business or banking, or with solicitors, the Department of Social Protection or any avenue of health or social care, the people they meet recognise the fact that because they have a disability does not mean they automatically need someone to support them or make a decision for them. We need to continue to enhance that training and support.

In relation to the role of advocacy, it is important that people have their decisions reviewed. After somebody has had a decision-maker appointed for them, there is a review process built into that. It is really important that advocacy is available to support people in that review if they are not happy with the decision-maker that is in place. We have extensive experience of supporting wards of court who were bringing information to court under the old system where they were not happy with the committee that was making decisions or where there were concerns. It is important that we have an independent code of practice for advocates where advocates can support people to make complaints to the Decision Support Service or bring information to the court or to others about the decision-maker that has been appointed for them if they are not happy with that or if there has been interference and a higher level of decisions are being made for people where no order is in place.

There are risks with regard to orders that are made that they may be far-ranging if information is not brought to the court. There is a role for advocacy in ensuring the views, will and preference of the person are involved all the way through the process.