Professor Ella Arensman:

If we look at the overall research, in particular the research gaps that we have outlined, it is still premature to take one stand, black or white. One of the challenges where I would like to see Ireland learning from other countries is to take a more nuanced approach to the diversity of people - first of all, individuals, but possibly some subgroups. When Deputy Kenny referred to some of the cases, there is certainly scope for some flexibility and openness to discussing assisted dying with people where it is crystal clear that the quality of life cannot be reversed or changed and has been hugely impacted and there are no indications of treatable or preventable mental health conditions. However, I am touching immediately on a gap there, not only the gap in Ireland but also in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. I would like to hear our colleague say a bit more about that.

When we look at the evolution of the developments in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium, in hindsight it always appeared too frequently that rigorous mental health assessments but also safeguarding procedures, including second opinions and third opinions, were not followed through intensively, sometimes with disastrous or close to disastrous outcomes.