Mr. Peter Kearns:

I thank the Senator. I am sure she saw the recent survey conducted by theDaily Mail. That poll showed that 80% of people support assisted dying based on terminal illness and life-limiting conditions. There is already a narrative out there of disabled people somewhat having a life less valued. It is an astonishing outlook. If you are a disabled person, you have to fight against this narrative every day. When I wake up in the morning and go into my en suite bedroom in lovely Leitrim, I do not look in the mirror and gasp because I still have cerebral palsy. It does not cross my mind. It only crosses my mind when I hear negative attitudes like, "If I was you, I would keep to myself." I am quite confident. I had the opportunity to grow up in Coolock, a working-class area.

Most of my friends who are non-disabled are in jail. As I have a disability, though, I got many supports to go to college. I could do whatever I liked. That confidence gives me the power to argue against this discourse, but many disabled people do not have the same confidence. The danger is that, in a society that is ready to support you and refer you for this option if you have life-limiting conditions, this narrative will sweep along disabled people, too.