Proposed Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 July 2012

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Questions (598)

Seán Kyne

Question:

612 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the progress of the new mental capacity legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35386/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Drafting of the Mental Capacity Bill is being finalised with a view to submitting the text of the Bill to Government to approve its publication before the start of the next Dáil session. The Bill will reform the law on mental capacity taking into account the Law Reform Commission's Report on Vulnerable Adults and the Law. The Bill will replace the Wards of Court system with a modern statutory framework to support and enable decision-making by persons who lack capacity. The enactment of new mental capacity legislation is one of the core elements of the remaining work to be completed towards ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.