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:

Dr. Ní Bhriain has stated the HSE's position in respect of the detail of this matter. In different jurisdictions, access to assisted dying in its various forms has expanded and in other areas it has not. The committee has reviewed submissions and has heard from voices from different parts of the world, including areas where there has been less expansion, areas where euthanasia is not permitted and areas where healthcare has less to do with the process. In respect of any legislation before this Dáil or any previous Dáil, can 100% of problems be prevented in every situation? I do not think that is realistic in any sense.