Explanatory Memorandum

Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

2016 CHAPTER 18

9 May 2016

Commentary on Sections

Part 10 – Criminal Justice

Chapter 8 – Rights of Review of Detention under Part 10
Section 226 - Meaning of “a qualifying person”

This section defines a “qualifying person” as being the person who is liable to be detained under the public protection order, hospital direction or hospital transfer direction, or if the person is 16 years of age or more, their nominated person. If the person is under the age of 16, a “qualifying person” can also be a person with parental responsibility for the person.

The section also provides that if the person who is liable to be detained is 16 years of age or more and has capacity to make a decision about whether an application to the Tribunal should be made, the nominated person requires the consent of the person before he or she can make an application.