Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I wish to put on the record that where voluntary assisted dying is legislated for, the vast majority of people who will avail of it will go through palliative care. That is a fact. They should be complementary in some ways. Somebody who is in a palliative care setting or does not choose to go through palliative care should have the choice of voluntary assisted dying. That is important. We also recognise that even though we have modern medicine and people are living longer, not all modern medicine can ameliorate certain conditions. Again, that is a fact. Palliative care is very good in this country. Obviously, we need more investment. However, there are situations where palliative care does not ameliorate somebody’s suffering. Again, that is a fact. In those circumstances, somebody should be able to avail of assisted dying.

In respect of the Irish Hospice Foundation, I again thank the witnesses for their statement. Like David, I had an experience with my close relative and hospice care. It was an amazing experience. Even though it was a very sad occasion, it was a good experience because of how the person was cared for, passed away and so forth. It mitigated the sadness in some ways. In their statement, they said that certain things need to be funded and there are deficits and all that, and I understand that. Preparing for one’s death is important. Having this discussion, even though it is difficult, is very important. If voluntary assisted dying was legislated for, would that change the dynamics of palliative care in Ireland? Will it change the dynamic about talking about one’s mortality and ending where they have a choice? A person could say that they do not want to go through that particular period and they can have a choice. Some people say that will fundamentally change healthcare in Ireland. I do not believe that. I think it is a right of a human being to have that choice. I ask the Irish Hospice Foundation representatives to comment on those questions.