Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 is to update and reform our outdated law which governs decision making by people whose capacity may be impaired. It is also intended to replace the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871, which is the basis for most of our system. We need a clear legal framework which guarantees that citizens with impaired mental capacity have rights. The 2013 Bill would bring the State into greater agreement with international best practice. Dáil Committee Stage of the Bill was completed in June and it is due before the Dáil this week. Does the Taoiseach expect it to be enacted before the end of the year?

The Government has given a very clear commitment that it will incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into domestic law. However, in order to do so, other regulations have to be put in place. Standards the convention demands include legislative changes on mental capacity, sexual offences, mental health legislation and reasonable accommodation. Given that it is five years on, does the Taoiseach expect the necessary legislative work to be completed and does he realistically expect the programme for Government commitment to sign up to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be achieved?

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