The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 has yet to be commenced. The Act includes important measures such as the right to advance health care directives, which are particularly important in protecting the autonomy of mental health patients who may lack capacity in the future. That would protect against mistreatment and empower people in care by ensuring their dignity. We are to debate a Bill that amends the Act on Friday even though the Act has not been commenced. Will the Taoiseach commit to commencing the Act immediately rather than allowing it to sit until September?

The Act will be commenced as soon as it can be. A key requirement before the Act is commenced is that the service must be put in place. I refer to the office and staff who will process and help people with assisted decision making.

I believe the chief executive for the new service has just been appointed or the position has just been advertised. As soon as we have people to work the new system, it will be commenced. It is very much a priority for the Government and is linked to our desire to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which we are determined to do this year.