Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth publishes report on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill

Launching the report, Deputy Kathleen Funchion, Cathaoirleach of the Committee said “The reforms this Bill will provide are both urgent and overdue. For far too long the wardship system has deprived people of their human rights and caused harm.”

Deputy Funchion said “The Bill will also crucially bring significant progress in terms of our responsibilities under the UNCRPD. There must now be no more delays in ratifying the Optional Protocol. “

“The Committee commends the Minister and his team for their action on progressing this historic piece of legislation. We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to this report, either through submissions or the public meetings.”

The Deputy added “The Committee has made its recommendations about how the Bill could be improved. We implore the Minister and all those involved in progressing the legislation to give the recommendations provided in this report serious consideration.

Read the report:  Report on pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the assisted decision making capacity amendment bill 2021

The Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.