The Gazette 1992

GAZETTE

SEPTEMBER 1992

Lawbrief (Continued from page 261) provides for related matters. Amends and extends the Industrial Credit Acts, 1933 to 1990, and for those purposes amends section 9 of the Bankers' Books EvidenceAct, 1879, and section 2 of the Bills of Exchange Act, 1882. Presented by the Minister for Finance 26/6/92. Present position: passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas 16/7/92. Commencement date: 23 July, 1992. Health (Family Planning) (Amendment) Act, 1992 (No. 20 of This Act provides for an increase in the range of outlets permitted to sell condoms, reduces the age limit at which persons may buy condoms, without prescription, from 18 to 17 years, and provides for related matters. Amends and extends the Health (Family Planning) Act, 1979, and amends section 62 of the Health Act, 1947. Presented by the Minister for Health 30/6/92. Present position: passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas 15/7/92. Commencement date: 23 July, 1992. Foreshore (Amendment) Act, 1992 (No. 17 of 1992) (With Explanatory Memorandum as initiated) This Bill provides for the better protection and preservation of the foreshore and the seashore by prohibiting the removal or disturbance of beach material (sand etc.,) amends and extends the Foreshore Act, 1933. Presented by the Minister for the Marine 7/7/92. Present position: passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas 14/7/92. Commencement date: 20 July, 1992. Lawbrief is grateful to Ms. Margaret Byrne, Librarian, Law Society, who assisted in the preparation of the material. • 1992) (With Explanatory Memorandum as initiated)

Evaluation of Cognitive Disorders by means of Neuropsychological Assessment In recent years, the neuropsychological assessment has become a critical part of the total evaluation of a person who suffers from head injury. Such an assessment is, however, lengthy (lasting from four to five hours and occasionally longer). The assessment has then to be analysed and interpreted, which could take a further three hours (i.e., a total of at least seven hours per patient). Neuropsychological assessment provides an evaluation of the above mentioned cognitive functions, as well as an assessment of emotional status and possible behavioural alterations including implusivity, decreased frustration tolerance, impaired interpersonal communication and social judgement. Findings from such an assessment, when viewed in the light of medical records and history (e.g., educational background, vocational history), allows conclusions concerning the possible effects of head injury to be formulated. An accurate picture of cognitive abilities also provides insights into degree of impairment as well as probable effects of impairment on everyday functioning. Such an evaluation can be an integral component for directing and monitoring rehabilitation efforts, planning return to independence, and establishing the existence and extent of brain damage. An expert comprehensive neuropsychological assessment carried out by a qualified neuropsychologist can be of major

Law Society Gazette Binders (suitable for 10 issues) Price: £8.80 each (including VAT) + £1.20 postage & packing. To order: please write enclosing a cheque payable to the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland to: Linda Dolan 9 Law Society, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. Rape Crisis Centre Seeks Flag Day Volunteers The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Limited is holding a Flag Day on Thursday, 1 October and Friday, 2 October, 1992 in order to raise £150,000 to remain open for this year. The RCC needs approximately 1,200 volunteer collectors in order to cover all areas in Dublin City and suburbs. Each volunteer would be asked to collect for 2-3 hours on the day of their choice. If any member of the profession would be willing to give of their time, he or she should contact:- Sally O'Neill, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Limited, 70 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.

importance to brain-injured individuals, and, of course, in cases of litigation.

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Telephone: 614911/614562 Fax: 610873.

Dr. Martina O'Connor is a clinical neuropsychologistwho practises in Dublin.

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