Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the delegates. I did not know anything about this issue until last week when Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin gave us some advance information to help us to prepare for this meeting. I found the presentations very compelling at a medical and personal level. I would like to add two questions to the serious questions asked by Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.

As I listened to the presentations I kept wondering why Ireland was the only EU country that did not offer this service. Why is it not happening here? That seems to be an obvious question. Where is the blockage? Is it the case that Ireland was late coming to and understanding the issue? I do not understand why it is the last country in the European Union not to provide deep brain stimulation services.

The deputation has made a good case for advancing on these issues on an all-island basis, which makes absolute sense. Airports are only for those who are fit and healthy. A person has to be in the best of health before any travel. Where there medical issues involved, it is difficult not only for the person concerned but also for the family. There is often nervousness and the question of what if something should happen. I am wondering about the current position. Ms Tufts referred to travelling to Bristol. On the basis of probability, some people will encounter difficulty. What happens if a person has a difficulty after coming back? That is all the more reason we should be doing it here. I am a little stunned to find that people have to do this and obviously the deputation has my full support. We will do whatever we can to help. Perhaps we might discuss the issue in private session.