Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

This has been a very informative session about assisted dying in other jurisdictions, in New Zealand and Australia in this case.

What has come across is that what is happening in New Zealand and Australia is highly regulated. There are some variations in each state in Australia and also in New Zealand. It is clear that assisted dying works. The vast majority of people even though they may be in circumstances where they could avail of assisted dying may never avail of assisted dying but it is about the choice. It is a fundamental human right. Hopefully, in Ireland, we will see that human right being legislated for in the coming years.

Regarding those who avail of assisted dying, a number of doctors said there are variations in those who will go through the process. Obviously the process takes time. In respect of those who take the ultimate decision to end their lives on their own terms, the witnesses said that in some cases, it is days, in some cases, it is weeks and in some cases, it is months. Is there a breakdown of time lapses regarding those who have the ability to avail of assisted dying in both jurisdictions?