Dr. Brendan O'Shea:

The problem with the principle of double effect is that it is almost discretionary to the clinician who is the key clinician in managing the clinical circumstances at that time. I would have a preference for a rights-based approach and that this service be available based on assessment and defined criteria, and available equally to anybody who feels they may require it, subject to assessment and evaluation and satisfying the criteria. If we like, that makes it a level playing pitch.

On the issue of double effect, there are uncertainties around it. It depends on whether you happen to get terminally ill, whether it is in county A or county B, or whether it is attached to this service or another service. That would be one of my difficulties in respect of it.