Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I welcome this amendment because it sets out in more detail the types of action one can take on behalf of a person not of full mental capacity. I welcome the precise wording of the amendment which states "but not limited to, any application, appeal, review or the giving of consent under section 7". This issue of reaching out appropriately to people and assessing them comprehensively would have been strengthened had the Minister of State accepted amendment No. 21.

When the Bill goes back to the Dáil, will the Minister of State consider looking at amendment No. 21 again because it deals with capacity issues in a more comprehensive way? That would be helpful. It is important mental capacity is considered when looking at care needs or making an assessment. I welcome this amendment which we will support.