Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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21. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce compulsory disability training for those involved in the administration of justice, in view of the fact that the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 is close to completing all stages of the legislative process and the decision support service will open thereafter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52428/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to supporting and building upon the high quality of the Irish judiciary, which has served Ireland so well over the last 100 years. This will be achieved through a number of important measures to reform legal education, judicial appointments and training and to enhance accountability and public confidence.

Though the judiciary is independent in carrying out training through the Judicial Council, I am aware that the Judicial Council has provided training for the High Court and Circuit Court judges in relation to the Act. The Decision Support Service (who will operate the provisions of the Act) participated in two training sessions for judges, organised by the Judicial Council. The presentation focused on the new support framework under the Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Act 2015. The DSS indicated that there were a number of other speakers participating, including from the National Advocacy Service.

The Decision Support Service also provided an information session for the Courts Service and have been in regular contact to support preparations for commencement of the Act.

The Courts Service also rolled out “Just A Minute Card” training to all its staff in 2021. JAM Card allows people with a hidden disability or communication barrier to tell others that they need extra time and understanding in a private and easy way.

The programme for Government commits to commencing the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015, recognising the importance of the much-needed reform that it represents. The Act will bring into effect a new legislative framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties.

Responsibility for the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 now rests with my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth Minister O'Gorman, and his Department.