Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying

Ethics of End-of-Life Care: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. John Wall:

I echo the views of Mr. Ahern and Mr. Curran on choice. To use myself as a first-person example of what life is about, I am terminally ill and live with stage 4 cancer. I live very successfully and my life's mantra is carpe diem. Since I was diagnosed, I have fought with every fibre of my being to stay alive, and I have no desire to pass away. I, like many terminal patients, can look forward to a healthy life, and extended life, because of the advances in medicine. Since I was diagnosed, there have been incredible advances that allow me to live the life I lead, but at the end of it I just do not want to suffer. Passing away peacefully is my desire, and naturally I would prefer not to have any intervention whatsoever, or intervention only should the need to arise to avoid unnecessary suffering. That is all that we ask; it is about choice.