Dr. Siobh?n N? Bhriain:

I will. I thank the Senator. There was a lot in her contribution, but I will try to come back to her. To give a very quick answer regarding whether we have done any research, we did a review of assisted dying in other jurisdictions to inform our views. The senior clinical leadership team met, undertook a review and had a discussion about this aspect. Obviously, we have not commissioned any specific research, but we have certainly reviewed existing work in other jurisdictions. We looked at this aspect as part of our considerations in this regard, for sure.

Turning to the issue of other Departments being involved, this is obviously very much a matter for the Legislature. Ms McArdle might wish to comment on this point. On the issue of suicidality, which I will mention specifically, I am a psychiatrist and I know that anyone presenting with suicidality is something we would clearly discuss with them, investigate and look at generally. With the vast majority of people I have seen who have had suicidal ideation, it has been very much a part of a mental health disorder, which we have been able to treat. This is important. The point we are trying to make here is that we would not like people not to get treatment for something that is treatable.

On the issue of eligibility, this is a very difficult question. I think this would come back to the legislation rather than to us, but we will be very happy to engage when it comes to that pre-legislative stage. I hope this answers the Senator's questions.