Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge it is complex legislation, and I acknowledge also Senator Black's review of it. It is important that the advanced healthcare directive is the guiding legislation around healthcare treatments. The enduring power of attorney can then be used for the other elements.

This Act is an Act for everyone. We sometimes look at this and think it may only be for people who have capacity challenges. However, it will affect every part of people's lives as they get older and it could apply to people with dementia and so on, and I know that is what is being looked at in terms of potential roles when it comes to that stage in life. This is a very difficult area, but how this legislation will be managed is a question for all of us in our communities. As was said, providing clear guidance on a single decision maker at certain stages is crucial.