Joint Committee on Assisted Dying to discuss protecting and enhancing the provision of palliative care

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House between 11:00-14:00.

The following witnesses are due to appear:

Representatives from the Irish Palliative Medicine Consultants' Association - Dr Regina McQuillan and Dr Faith Cranfield are Palliative medicine consultants representing the IPMCA

Dr Matthew Doré, honorary secretary of the Association of Palliative Medicine for Great Britain and Ireland, and a consultant physician in palliative care in Belfast.

Dr Max Watson, Project ECHO, Programme Director of Hospice UK

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Healy Rae said: “This is the second meeting in the Committee’s module examining potential consequences of assisted dying."

"Previous witnesses have stated that assisted dying, if introduced, could be seen as part of end of life care or palliative care so it important to discuss how patients would engage with these services."

"The National Palliative Care Policy published in 2001 has lapsed and a new one is currently being worked on some 20 years later by the Department of Health. Medical professionals are currently awaiting the publication of a new palliative care policy with an implementation plan, so it is crucial that any potential legislation on assisted dying is considered.”

“The Committee has repeatedly heard about the gaps in palliative and end-of-life care and concerns from some witnesses regarding conflating palliative care and access to assisted dying, the potential for elder abuse and coercion.”

“We look forward to discussing these and other related matters with representatives.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.