Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My second question related to a breakdown of the cost. I accept there are many issues at stake. The Minister of State referred to equipment and trained staff and where the financial resources would come from. Has anyone estimated the potential cost to provide such a service in the home? Does the Minister of State have even an approximate figure?

Is it the case that the HSE will meet with Eimear and discuss her care needs? It is possible that with co-operation and goodwill a care package could be provided at a lower cost than some might fear.

Members are aware of a recent case where a woman wanted to end her life because of illness but the State did not allow that. That is currently the rule of the land so Eimear would not be allowed to take her life either. The issue is whether the State could take the decision to allow her to die. If the State cannot find the money to provide the necessary care then, in effect, it would be making a call that an individual is not allowed to make. That might appear stark and I hope it would never come to that but the issue is complex and it would be great if there was serious co-operation to explore the ways to resolve matters.

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