John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have great respect for Senator Keogan, who talked about the slippery slope in Canada. A big bunch of Canadians do not regard it as a slippery slope; rather, they regard it as a logical conclusion. I am not making any judgment either way. Their society is at a different place, either before or after ours. From the evidence we gathered on both sides, the statistics were very interesting. My sense is that Ireland is not in that space. It might be in that space in 20 or 30 years' time, but not right now.

I take on board the patient dignity piece the witnesses have spoken about. Investment in palliative care will be a significant part of the report. From the literature, it would seem that if there were much more investment in palliative care, in particular research and findings, and then concrete responses to recommendations on the burdens people feel at a particular point in their lives, as well as dignity, there would not be as much conversation about the need for assisted dying. That has to be a part of the report.

On my next point, I would like to hear from whomever wishes to respond. I am conscious that some witnesses have not contributed since I have been here. From the evidence we have heard, there is very clearly physical pain that simply cannot be relieved. That was very clear from the testimony of a number of witnesses who came before the committee. There is no medication for some pain. As a committee, we have to take that on board.

The work of the committee is not for the vast majority. Is this not the key thing about what we are at? It is about that minority for whom medication, care and all the interventions simply do not cover, cope with or deal with. I see Dr. Mathews nodding and it has caught my eye. He has not been given an opportunity to respond although he has been looking to come in a few times and has not been seen.