Ms Sharon Foley:

The forum on end of life, which was supported by the Irish Hospice Foundation, conducted a year long consultation on all matters related to death, dying and bereavement, and we found that the Irish public was willing to engage on all aspects. It is refreshing to see such willingness to get involved in debate not only about bereavement but also the dying process, loss and supporting people at the end of their lives. I have confidence in the committee's capacity to steer that debate and, to reiterate my opening comments, I welcome this initiative as a brave step that is much needed in Irish society.