Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Ní Bhriain, Dr. Crowley, Dr. Twomey, Ms McArdle and Mr. Rowe for coming to the meeting today and engaging with the committee. It has been very important for us, as committee members, to hear the range of opinions on this very important issue. The witnesses have certainly given us a lot of their time, which we appreciate very much. We appreciate them sharing their expertise with us.

This is the final meeting of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying. On behalf of myself, the members and the secretariat, I thank all the witnesses who have engaged with the committee over the last nine months. Every one of them has contributed to the debate on this complex topic. It was extremely valuable to be able to engage with such a wide range of experts and hear the personal stories of the people affected by this issue. I know that people who have tuned in and listened and family members who have been affected by this issue in various different ways are perhaps hurting very badly in their own personal lives. I want to acknowledge that very much today.

We are not talking about roads or water infrastructure. We are talking about life. We are talking about the issues that come into a person's home. There is nothing more sensitive and nothing more important. That is why the work of this committee is important.

On my behalf, I want to thank the members and, of course, the secretariat for their 100% commitment to this issue. This committee will now spend the next few weeks finalising its report.