Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Consent for procedures is a tricky area and the responsibility regarding the treatment rightly lies with the individual unless they are unable to give consent.

Regarding mental capacity for consent, does McNaughton believe our mental capacity laws are adequate or do they create difficulties for those caring for people with mental disorders at the end of life?

Mr. Plunkett made some interesting points, particularly on the importance of the role of pain relieving medicines and treatments. I ask him to expand on that. What are the key challenges with regard to pain relief in today's health care system?

I ask Mr. Plunkett to expand on the reluctance to allow frail and elderly men and women die peacefully in nursing homes, which is somewhat troubling. In what respect has the Leas Cross controversy affected that issue?

Ms Kelly's points about the medical cards were well made. I am sure she is well aware that this issue has been discussed regularly and I hope it is something on which we might be able to come to a positive conclusion in the future.

Professor Twomey instanced the proportions of those who die between long-term residencies, hospitals and their own homes. Does he believe there is any likelihood those proportions might change over time? Should we endeavour to change that or is that simply the way the process works?

Regarding end of life proofing of homes, is that an issue which needs to be considered and what role could it play in ensuring quality end of life care?

On the point Professor Twomey made earlier regarding the perception that people of 80 years of age may not be able to answer questions, many people aged 80 are running countries. That puts an end to that argument.

I found Mr. King's contribution extremely interesting; I could listen to him speaking all day. I ask him to expand on the final point he made about the need for more ambulances.