I thank the Cathaoirleach and committee members for the opportunity to participate in today’s discussion. I wish to acknowledge from the outset that this is a difficult conversation for many but one which, thankfully, this country is now more than ready to have.
Almost a year ago to today, I made a promise to my good friend Vicky Phelan that this issue would continue to be discussed and debated in her absence. As we are all aware, Vicky was a passionate advocate for change and fervently supported the right to die with dignity should the need arise. This is a topic we discussed in some detail in the months prior to her death and I assure committee members that we were of a very similar mindset regarding this very emotive subject.
Like Vicky, I too was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was advised to get my affairs in order. There are no appropriate words to describe the emptiness and loneliness felt when you are told such harrowing news. Far from wishing to die though, we sought to outlive our respective prognoses and so began a journey helping others understand what the world looked like through our eyes. We seek to extend our time on this Earth by exploring every available avenue that offers hope and gives a lifeline where once there was none or, if indeed it did exist, was barely visible. I mention this because of the necessity for others to clearly see that for the vast majority of those with a terminal condition, this conversation pertains to a point in that journey where life itself is ebbing away. This is about how a person says their final goodbye rather than when, given the fact that the inevitable is within sight.
Despite our best efforts, not all treatments are successful to the point where life is guaranteed and no matter the inner strength one possesses, not all are as fortunate as I and succumb to their illness, with many having to endure horrific physical and mental pain in the process. This, I might add, is despite the best efforts of our palliative care services, which, incidentally, I have nothing but high regard for. In fact, I would like to see these services work in tandem with the healthcare professionals who, it is to be hoped, will one day be entrusted with overseeing a person’s right to guarantee a dignified passing.
Like many others, I fear what the end will entail, but also acknowledge that expectations can be surpassed and, like myself, fear can turn to unbridled and unexpected joy when you start to outlive the expectations of others in terms of life itself. This is a hugely important part of this debate and only serves to reinforce the absolute necessity for all involved to understand the nuances and complexities of the issue. There is no one-size-fits-all solution and rather than pit one side of this conversation against the other, the solution is that we work collectively to ensure progress, which I believe will bring Ireland to a point where we will legislate for assisted dying, thus ensuring, where appropriate and possible, a dignified passing for those who seek it.
When publicly commenting and discussing these matters, we all have a responsibility to ensure that the narrative remains focused, where possible, and does not stray into constant comparisons with other jurisdictions. I also wish to express my concerns around the religious narrative that has somehow made its way into this conversation. Regardless of religious beliefs, death is something that all of us are guaranteed in some way, shape or form. To this end, I reiterate that we are here to discuss what may be deemed acceptable to the Irish public and subsequently achieved through a rigorous legislative process, after which it can be implemented via an equally exhaustive administrative process. Yes, we can learn from others but, as a democratic nation, we hold ourselves accountable and to suggest any form of implementation will lead to the so-called “slippery slope” does nothing other than undermine the credibility of all those involved, not to mention that of the very people we are so desperately trying to help.
In order to fully understand, it is critical we responsibly explain. Many examples have been cited as to how this will or will not work, with those opposed frequently using words like "suicide" in an attempt to influence the thoughts and views of us all. I ask that the language we all use take consideration of those who have sadly taken their own lives in tragically different circumstances than those we are discussing here today. Including those who voluntarily seek a dignified passing in such a conversation is disrespectful in the extreme to all concerned and most especially to our loved ones who must listen to it.
I will reassert why we are here in the first instance by using my own explanation, that is, how I explain it to others. Contrary to the beliefs of many, we are merely seeking the right to apply for consideration of a dignified death. It is others who will ultimately decide if the application is successful. With many believing this decision rests with the person, it is vital we dispel any idea that this would ever be an opportunity for an individual to simply cease living. The threshold criteria for consideration and the composition of the decision-making panel will invariably prove difficult to legislate for but, upon a recommendation from this committee, that process can at least begin.
There is absolutely no doubt that there is significant public support for legislating for assisted dying. No longer are we bound by religious beliefs or the inability of our citizens to have their say in the decision-making process. Testimony to that fact is our very presence here today. Time is precious to us all, especially those who live with a terminal illness. I urge each and every committee member to resist the temptation to push this issue further into the procedural abyss, to recommend progress and to be catalysts for change. We have an opportunity to ease the transition for some from this life to the next, whatever and wherever that may be. I sincerely wish this committee well with the decisions that it must make in the months ahead and hope that this contribution and the contributions of many others will assist in that process.