March 2011

Who are you calling a Lunatic?

• People with intellectual disabilitiesPeople with mental health problems
• Older people with dementia

All are Lunatics under Irish law

 The 1871 Lunacy Regulations Act legislates for decision-making. Inclusion Ireland says there is an urgent need to reform this antiquated law.  

Inclusion Ireland CEO Deirdre Carroll says:

“The previous Government said without modern capacity law, Ireland cannot ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Tomorrow (Wednesday 30th March) marks the 4th anniversary of Ireland signing the UN Convention. Ireland was among the first countries to sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on March 30th 2007. Then Justice Minister Michael McDowell said it would be ratified ‘as soon as possible’. 4 years later we are still waiting, and Irish people with an intellectual disability, mental health problems and dementia continue to be referred to as ‘lunatics’ under Irish law.  

“Inclusion Ireland welcomes the commitment in the 2011 Programme for Government to introduce a ‘Mental Capacity Bill that is in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’, but a timeframe is needed of when the Bill will be brought before the Oireachtas. Inclusion Ireland launched a petition in February 2010 calling on the Government to introduce modern capacity law. Over 2,500 people have signed that petition. Modern capacity legislation must be introduced without delay.”

ENDS