Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I have a few things to ask about. I see very little reference to advanced care directives in the submissions, so I am interested in what our three witnesses have to say about that. Do any of the states allow for the use of advanced care directives?

I then have two specific sets of questions for Dr. Jeanne. He talked about the Act and said it requires the collection of information about the patients and physicians who participate in it and the publication of an annual report. That is always important in terms of what we can learn from that, but the fact the OHA does not investigate whether patients or indeed physicians met the Act's criteria or diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options is a concern, because it would seem then the Act as such is not being carried out. There is also the fact Dr. Jeanne said that since the law was passed in 1997, 66% of people who received prescriptions died from ingesting the medication, so I am assuming the other 34% did not. Will he clarify that please?

I also have two specific questions for Dr. Komrad. He said there have been 270 failed attempts to pass such laws in 18 states. I am interested in hearing a little more about that. I am very puzzled by what he said about nine states passing laws inoculating themselves to say they will never legalise such practices. I do not know how any state could say it could not happen either now or in the future. He mentioned doctor shopping, where one doctor refuses to approve and patients just keep moving. However, surely that depends on the legislation in the state? Those are my questions.