John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

No, because I have not finalised my proposals. I do not intend to be glib, but a certain amount of work remains to be done. I gave a commitment a long time ago that I would bring forward specific proposals on Friday next.

I completely accept there is a need to have the mental capacity Bill published. This time last year I gave a clear commitment at the Inclusion Ireland conference in Killarney that the legislation would be introduced before the summer. Unfortunately, that did not happen. The Senator outlined the position well in that ratifying the UN convention does not need to involve the provision of major funding in the future. However, it is clear that we cannot ratify the convention until the mental capacity legislation is in place. I reiterate my commitment that the Bill will be published prior to the end of this session. I have apologised for the fact that it was not possible to publish it prior to the end of the summer session.