President Higgins has outlawed compulsory ECT

The President has formally outlawed compulsory electroconvulsive therapy.

Michael D Higgins has used his Christmas day to sign five new laws into force.

This as the 2015 Finance Bill, the changes to our Bankruptcy legislation, the Harbours and Prisons bills and the Mental Health Amendment.

Under the measures Doctors will no longer be able to use ECT without patients' permission.