Disability rights groups are calling on the government to replace Ireland's outdated lunacy laws with more humane laws that allow people to make decisions for themselves.

Currently under the Lunacy Act - which dates from the 18-hundreds - some older people or people with disabilities who are ward of court - have no say in matters that affect them.

This can include decisions about where they live, what they eat, what they spend money on - and also what health procedures they should undergo.

An alliance of groups working with "wards of court" want the government to pass a new law called the Assisted Decision Making Bill.

Dr Eilionoir Flynn of NUI Galway explains how the new law would work...