The Policy Advice and Research Unit of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland will share insights from their research on mental health and mental capacity legislation in Northern Ireland. The presentation will explore the legislation’s history, core principles, and its strong links to human rights. It will also examine how the law operates in practice, highlight potential risks, and identify areas for improvement. Most importantly, it will consider what the legislation means for all of us, how we can prepare for a future where we may lack capacity, and how we can use the law to safeguard ourselves and those we care about. 

 Ángel Leira Pernas joined the Policy and Research Unit of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland in December 2023. He previously specialised in issues affecting older people and ageing while completing a PhD in social and cultural gerontology at Queen’s University Belfast. Since joining COPNI, his work has centred on contributing to the Programme for Government, demographic ageing, and mental capacity legislation.

Item - Ageing Well Public Talks Series 2025-26. Talk 10: Understanding Mental Capacity Legislation in Northern Ireland: Principles, Practice and Everyday Inpact - The Open University - Figshare