Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2021
134. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if education and training has been provided for stakeholders (details supplied) in advance of the full commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and the Decision Support Service becoming operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59571/21]
View answerThe Government has committed to the full commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 by June 2022. There is a substantial programme of work that must be completed in advance of that date. This includes working with stakeholders to ensure the necessary delivery of education and training to those involved in the delivery of key provisions contained in the Act.
A budget of €7.3 million has been secured for the Decision Support Service in 2022. This represents an increase of €1.5 million compared to 2021 and a doubling of financial resources since the transfer of the Equality function to my Department in 2020. This investment is to support the delivery of further resources in preparation for the commencement of the 2015 Act.
To date, the Decision Support Service has developed a website providing a range of information and resources for stakeholders and the general public, which includes training material. The Director of the Decision Support Service is also heavily engaged in a number of activities to disseminate information regarding the Act's provisions in a variety of fora.
A high-level Steering Group, chaired by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, meets monthly to oversee and drive progress towards full commencement. The group consists of officials from my Department, the Decision Support Service, Department of Justice, Department of Health, the Health Service Executive and the Courts Service, and Group members and their organisations have supported a number of awareness raising activities and are each looking to the supports required in their own sectors and networks.
My Department is available to provide support to stakeholders in preparation of the commencement of the Act and both Minister Rabbitte and I have had personal involvement in a number of events to raise awareness of the Act and of the new system that is being put in place.
