Dr. Feargal Twomey:

Speaking as part of the HSE delegation, the options that have been presented to this committee vary from not changing legislation at all or not legislating in any way for assisted dying to legislating fully for assisted dying.

There are two different types of it. Euthanasia is where another person, such as a healthcare worker or a technician, takes the final act and ends the life of somebody, most often with the person’s permission. The other is where someone is provided with assistance to end their own life. In the jurisdictions where the latter is the only option available, I am minded to suggest that the committee consider that as an important safeguard.