Dr. Feargal Twomey:

Senator Hoey's question is good and broad-ranging. Deputy Daly mentioned physical care for physical problems and care for psychological, social and other problems. That care is available. On requests for dying, many people I look after wish to die. They may have a passive death wish or may be open to dying soon. Those who are not naturally close to the end of their lives often come from a position of distress. Then it is a question of leaning into somebody and finding out what can be done to help with their distress. It may be unrelated to physical illness or even mental health. There might be societal pressure; it is hard to know.