515. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 will be considered at Report and Final Stages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12040/15]

My Department is currently preparing amendments for the Dáil Committee Stage of the Bill to respond to issues raised in submissions to my Department and to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. The aim is to strengthen the safeguards contained in this legislation so that persons with capacity difficulties can exercise decision-making autonomy to the greatest extent possible. My intention is that we will proceed to Dáil Committee Stage in the next two months with Report and Final Stages before the summer recess. My aim is that the Bill will be enacted this year.