Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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504. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her plans to implement the recommendations made by the Committee of Public Accounts relating to wards of court; if this will be done as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37683/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including management of the Office of Wards of Court, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that they are actively considering their response to those recommendations that come within its remit, contained in the report of the Committee of Public Accounts in relation to Wards of Court. A provisional implementation plan has been prepared and it is intended that the recommendations will be implemented as soon as possible. As the Deputy is aware, the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 will, when enacted, abolish wardship for adults. The Bill sets out the provisions that will apply in relation to the review of adult wards and their discharge from wardship or migration to the other decision-making options provided for under the Bill.