The Diploma Centre at Blackhall Place launched its Certificate in Assisted Decision-Making Capacity on 18 April.

Opening lectures were led by

• Áine Hynes SC (partner, St John Solicitors),
• Caoimhe Gleeson (national programme manager for the national office for human-rights and equality policy, HSE), and
• Alice White (registrar of wards of court).

The certificate, which will be delivered over a three-month period, coincides with the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 on (26 April).

The course is designed to ensure that practitioners are fully conversant with the requirements of the act. The key topics covered will include:

• Repeal of wardship,
• New decision-support mechanisms,
• Circuit Court applications,
• Detention matters,
• Office of the Decision Support Services,
• Enduring powers of attorney,
• Assisted Healthcare Directives,
• UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities,
• Minors and capacity,
• International protection – Convention on the International Protection of Adults.

Timely certificate

Aine Hynes SC said: “As chair of the Law Society Task force on Mental Health Law and Capacity, I am very pleased that the society is now in a position to offer this very timely certificate.

“It aims to provide participants with practical guidance in order to best navigate the new legal framework. We are also very pleased to have a great line-up of lecturers who are all experts in this evolving area of law.”

Applications for the course are still being welcomed by the Diploma Centre. Participants can catch-up on any lectures as sessions are recorded and available to view on demand.

Those interested may find out more about the course and how to apply, online.