Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 13 February 2024
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying
System for Assisted Dying and Alternative Policies: Discussion (Resumed)
Dr. Feargal Twomey:
In terms of spiritual care and spirituality there is a lot more to spirituality than religious beliefs. Anybody in society providing healthcare who practices otherwise is misguided. Spiritual care within palliative care, as I know it but I am sure my colleagues in other specialties know, encompasses those of no religion, which in practical terms is a growing majority, and those who have religious beliefs. Some services have chaplaincy services. Other services have pastoral care services. Social workers and other members of the team would be able to address different spiritual needs.