Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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329. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is expected that the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 will complete Committee Stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5813/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 is a comprehensive reform of the law relating to decision-making by persons with capacity difficulties. Its enactment will be a key step forward in enabling Ireland to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

My Department is currently preparing amendments for the Dáil Committee Stage of the Bill to respond to issues raised in submissions to my Department and to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. The aim is to strengthen the safeguards contained in this legislation so that persons with capacity difficulties can exercise decision-making autonomy to the greatest extent possible. It is intended that Committee Stage will take place during this legislative session and that the Bill will be enacted this year.