Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Deputies for their contributions. As we have seen from the debate, it is a very complex and emotive but hugely important issue we as legislators have a responsibility to debate and tease out. This is what this report is about. Again, I respect the points made by Deputy Nolan and the issuance of the minority report. All the Deputies have spoken about the need for evenly balanced palliative care across the country and that there would not be geographic disadvantage in this regard. This is greatly important too. I again thank all the Deputies for bringing their own perspectives to this debate in a measured way and one that is respectful of all views on this important issue.

I thank Deputy Gino Kenny for moving this motion. He has long been an advocate for the introduction of assisted dying in this jurisdiction. His support for this position reflects a sincere and humanitarian objective to minimise human suffering and distress at the end of life. I also express my sincere gratitude to the chair of the committee, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, and to its members who worked tirelessly on this sensitive and complex topic. The recommendations set out in the committee's final report are a serious and considered attempt to address this complex and sensitive issue. Equally, these proposals merit serious and deliberative consideration. The committee heard from a multitude of groups for and against legislating for assisted dying. These include those who have watched family members in pain, who have terminal illness diagnoses themselves and those who advocate for the most vulnerable members of society. They have all courageously voiced their opinions and feelings to the committee and we commend them on their contributions, just as we commend the committee on dealing with their stories in such a sensitive and empathetic manner.

I also thank all the Members of the House who participated in this evening's debate. It has been a worthwhile, informed, considered and respectful debate. I again mention the end-of-life care available to all of us in this country and to underline that the Minister for Health is deeply committed to the provision of high-quality and accessible palliative care services and to ensuring the best care is available to everyone where and when they need it. Ireland has been considered an international leader in palliative end-of-life care for several years. In the most recent cross-country comparative analysis, conducted in 2021, Ireland was placed second out of 81 countries for the quality of its end-of-life care. This does not, however, leave space for complacency. The new national adult palliative care strategy, which addresses one of the committee's recommendations, was published on 10 September 2024. The new policy will reflect the many developments in end-of-life care and international best practice as well as setting out a vision and a roadmap to meet future service needs. This is particularly important given the projected increase in Ireland's older population and the number of people with life-limiting conditions who would benefit from palliative care.

Services will be developed to shift care provision to the community in line with Sláintecare and geographic variations in the provision of specialist palliative care services will also be addressed. I think this evening of my good friend Susie Long. When she was living in Kilkenny, the palliative care services were not so well-developed and she thankfully found Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross to be a haven in the final few weeks of her life. Equal access to palliative care should be right across the country. I witnessed the care my dad got more recently, this year, and there was a marked difference in the palliative care services available both at home or in hospital settings, which is to be welcomed.

The recommendations of this report require careful scrutiny and consideration so there is a distance to go yet. We need to consideration that. The recommendations present us all with opportunities and challenges in terms of how we further debate this. Deputy Cullinane in his considered response said as much about the need for all to respect all views both what came through the committee and its reporting and interviews; and the recommendations that have come forward.

On behalf of the Minister, I thank all of the committee members along with the Chair and vice chair, and all who shared and continue to share their personal stories and advocate for others - advocate for empathy, care, love and compassion.

Debate adjourned.

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