Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their submissions and contributions. It has been a really interesting discussion. I have been listening intently remotely, just in case the witnesses thought I had just appeared on their screens.

My question at this stage has likely been answered. Nonetheless, I want to ask a direct question of our witnesses by surmising a particular scenario. It has been expressed at this committee on a number of occasions that if we were to legislate, we would only do so for terminal illnesses and, therefore, the issue of mental health and some of the examples that have been provided during the course of this morning's hearing would not apply. My question for our witnesses is rather simple. What is their view on that matter, notwithstanding any potential for a future Oireachtas to change the law?

I am of the view that, given the international experience, this matter is coming, and it is a decision that, fortunately or unfortunately, will come in time. My opinion is that if we are asked to make a decision on this and if we choose to legislate, we should do so as best we can and, for me, that means we should do so extremely carefully and cautiously, without consideration for mental health as a ground for access to legalised assisted dying.

Do the witnesses have a view on that?