Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

A case came before the courts at the beginning of the week during which issues arose regarding the protection of and fulfilment of the rights of people with intellectual disability under existing legislation. Will the Leader invite the appropriate Minister to the Chamber to discuss these issues?

The Law Reform Commission spent considerable time in recent years reviewing and addressing some of the anomalies that exist within existing legislation. It issued a report last December concerning the law and vulnerable adults, and has made a number of recommendations. It specifically examined the issues of capacity and consent and also considered issues around guardianship and ward of court. This would be a valuable topic for the House to discuss.

A number of instances arise where people with disability, particularly those with a mild intellectual disability, do not have the opportunity to have their basic human rights realised under existing Irish law. I ask that this situation be addressed as soon as possible. The Chamber could play a role by inviting the Minister and leading the debate.