Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

I commend Deputy Liam Twomey for introducing this important Bill and not shying away from something that is morally difficult. While my wife was a student, an Anglican chaplain told students that, when they were old, it would be their duty to decide on when they should die. It was a shocking comment to make. When I first heard such remarks, they sounded incredible, given that they had come from someone from a Christian background. For a Christian, humanist or a member of a major religion, the right to life is a central tenet. However, the man in question was making the point that, owing to medical advances, we had reached a stage at which people could be kept technically alive for a considerable length of time. As I grew older, I understood his point more. The Bill addresses this important issue.

I know of many people who entered old age with considerable fears and asked that medical interventions not to be made if they reached a stage at which they had no quality of life. As Deputy Liam Twomey told me during a conversation yesterday, a written request to this effect does not stand and must be ignored. It is important that people be given an opportunity to request that, with the possible exception of efforts to reduce pain, no further medical interventions be made.

It is welcome that the issue is being discussed in the open. It is key that each individual be able to make his or her own choice. Some have tried to make this choice in theory. In practice, however, it has not been possible. Every Deputy knows of people, family members or friends who, having lived fulfilling and productive lives, have reached a point at which they are lingering. Some of them would not want to be kept going beyond a certain point unnaturally. This option should be available to them. For this reason, I welcome the Bill which should be teased out carefully. As a member of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, I would welcome its detailed discussion of the Bill.

I do not wish to say much more. In addition to the individual giving consent that is verifiable through independent people, a consensus should ideally be reached between family members and medical professionals to the effect that there should not be further medical interventions. I agree with the Minister who stated terminally ill patients should be made aware of their position. It is important that people be kept informed. If they are facing death, they should be aware of this, instead of being conned. As Deputy Jerry Buttimer stated, the final days of people's lives are precious and they should be able to make peace with themselves and their families. The opportunity to do this is greater if they are aware of their position.

I look forward to the debate on the Bill and hope it will provide for those who decide to forgo unnecessary medical interventions when they lose their quality of life.

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