Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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This committee discusses issues surrounding suicide and dying. Support information can be found on the committee web page. Today, we have engagement on the topic of legal protections and sanctions in relation to assisted dying. We welcome Professor Richard Huxtable, University of Bristol; Mr. Kevin Kelly, BL, degree candidate at the Honourable Society of King’s Inns; and Dr. Simon Mills, SC. We are grateful to them for sharing their knowledge and giving their time.

The format is that after all of the witnesses have given their opening statements, the members will then ask questions, and a member can ask an individual witness a question or address a question to all the witnesses. Before we begin, I point out to the witnesses that the clocks will show them that each member has a duration of seven minutes, which includes the answer time. I ask everyone to try to stick to that as best as we can because it makes the running of the meeting more efficient and organised. I invite Professor Richard Huxtable to make his opening statement.