An expert group review of mental health legislation for the Government has called for the removal of power to administer electroconvulsive therapy where a patient can give consent but is unwilling to do so.
It says the first possible opportunity to effect this change should be made in any future miscellaneous health legislation.
ECT is used to provide relief from psychiatric illness.
Electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure, which seems to reverse symptoms of some mental illnesses.
It was developed in the 1930s, after researchers noted that some people with depression or schizophrenia seemed to feel better after an epileptic seizure.
It was used widely during the 1950s and 1960s.
Under current law, it can be administered to a patient even if the person has capacity to consent but refuses treatment.
The 107-page report, published today, says that where a patient is unable to give consent, but a legally appointed representative can, ECT may proceed.
Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch said she will bring forward early proposals for such changes.
At present a course of ECT can be administered to a patient even if that patient has capacity and refuses such treatment.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Ms Lynch said "where someone has capacity and says, no, I don't want that treatment we have to listen to that."
She said she believes that change to legislation will be made by the summer.
The review makes around 160 recommendations, leading with the view that a patient rights-based approach should be adopted, for any revised mental health legislation.
