Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I confirm that the HSE is available at all times to discuss the issues directly with the individual concerned and her family. I am assured that is the case.

I agree with the Deputy that there are complex issues involved. In deference to the individual concerned I wish to move away from the case that has been raised because Deputy Wallace is touching on the broader ethical question of how such decisions are made in terms of cost. I agree with him that such issues are enormously difficult and complex, ethically and otherwise. They deserve a lot more debate in society and perhaps in this House. We should try to find a context where we would debate that.

To return to the individual situation under discussion, it is not the case that it is reducible to the question of cost. As I indicated, there are a number of different factors and according to the expert medical opinion available to me and the HSE I am advised that there is no clinical indication for full mechanical ventilation in this case. That having been said, I do not wish for a moment to indicate to the Deputy that I am in any sense dismissive of the issue he raised. I am aware of the particular case. The HSE will discuss the issues directly with the individual concerned and her family but in these circumstances it would be wrong to draw the conclusion that this is in any way reducible simply to the question of cost because there are clinical considerations as well.

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