Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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On public opinion in Canada, I presume there is support for voluntary assisted dying. There may be concerns about broadening the criteria. Even those who are in the middle of this debate will probably have concerns, and that is perfectly legitimate. I introduced a Bill on this issue three years ago. I fully support the personal choice of those who want to avail of assisted dying and think that is a fundamental human right, but there are concerns about certain situations. There never should be a situation where somebody must go without because of society or deficiencies in income or facilities. There should never be a situation where people must choose. As a socialist I have always campaigned for assisted living but I also believe in assisted dying where somebody is in a situation where they should avail of it.

We are trying to grapple with this issue. It is complex and complicated. In an Irish context, we are examining what happens in other jurisdictions where they have got this correct and where it is perhaps a bit more liberal. What lessons do the witnesses have for us as legislators who, in the future, may or may not legislate for assisted dying? What lessons have the witnesses learned about when assisted dying was legislated for in Canada, which is about seven years ago?