Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying
Healthcare Professionals and Assisted Dying: Discussion
Dr. Peter Allcroft:
I wish all members well in their deliberations, debate and respectful discussions. This is such an important topic to get right in order to make sure patients have autonomy, choice, safety and safeguards, and are not abandoned. There are similarities between the Irish health system and the Australian and New Zealand health systems, which are very different from the American health system. The nationalised schemes that we all enjoy, with national support, really help patients. I refer to the disparity in America. I do not think we can compare how difficult it must be living in America at times due to the healthcare. I wish members well in their deliberations and share Dr. Chapman's sentiments. I am very happy to help with further information, if required, in the debate and decision-making.