Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether the Mental Capacity Bill should legislate for advance directives in order that persons can plan ahead for times of acute mental ill health; if so, if he will discuss this issue with the Department of Justice and Equality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20751/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government's mental health strategy, "A Vision for Change", promotes a more person-centred approach involving greater patient participation, which includes supporting mechanisms such as advance directives.

An advance directive (whether for general health care or for mental health treatment and care) is an instrument that enables individuals to express their autonomy by making their wishes known regarding their future treatment, should they subsequently lose capacity.

My Department is currently conducting a detailed review of the ethical, legal and practical issues pertaining to advance directives in order to establish the optimal mechanism for the progression of policy in this area.

As part of this process the Department is in contact with our colleagues in the Department of Justice and Equality.