'Shameful' to introduce assisted dying without funding palliative care, committee told

(Front centre) Chairman of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, with (back, left to right) Senator Lynn Ruane, Deputy John Lahart, Deputy Alan Farrell, Deputy Patrick Costello (front, left to right) Senator Annie short, Senator Mary Seerey Kearney, Deputy Gino Kenny and Senator Ronan Mullen after its first public meeting on Tuesday in Leinster House. Picture: MAXWELLS

It would be “shameful” to legislate for assisted dying without first ensuring proper funding and support for palliative care and related services, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

The committee on assisted dying on Tuesday discussed legal protections and sanctions, hearing from legal experts in Ireland and the UK. Barrister Simon Mills, who was part of the legal team acting for Marie Fleming, said it is an area of complex social policy.