Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I thank all our witnesses for being here this morning. Apologies for missing a lot of this meeting. Unfortunately, I had another commitment but I am really looking forward to being part of this committee and to contributing every week. It is an important debate. This is an extremely complex, emotive and profound issue, but it is a really important debate. I thank each of the witnesses for bringing their expertise to the table and sharing it with us. We have a tough job as a committee over the next nine months to make recommendations in this area and we will be heavily reliant on experts like the witnesses. I thank them. I have read their opening statements. Senator Seery Kearney has brought me up to speed as much as possible too.

From my perspective, safeguards are the issue I am most concerned about. There has been a debate here today on support, education and all the structures that need to be in place to support people who are in this situation, particularly those who might have life-limiting issues as opposed to something that might have repercussions for their lifeline. I would be keen to learn the witnesses' perspectives and recommendations on that and about how we balance rights and the offences that already exist relating to this issue.