A chara, - Now that euthanasia ("good death") has been legalised, in Holy Week 2001, in the Netherlands, may I take it that a citizen of Ireland has the right to avail of that "service"? Your report from Isabel Conway (The Irish Times, April 11) states: "There is nothing in the new legislation suggesting that non-Dutch citizens or those without residence status in the country are ineligible for euthanasia. However, strict requirements in place make it `virtually impossible' for anyone who has not had `a long confidential relationship with their doctor in Holland' to seek euthanasia in the Netherlands."
Where there is a will, there is a way, however. It seems likely that ways will be found to circumvent this restriction, whether or not it is relaxed in the coming years. Where does Irish law stand on this? If I ascertain that I can qualify, is there any legal reason why I may not avail of euthanasia? Do I now have the right under Irish law to arrange to bring a family member or friend who qualifies for this "service" to the Netherlands to avail of it? Has Ireland, as a member of the European Union, any right to refuse to make this "service" legally available in this country?
These are not merely speculative questions. It seems to me that we need to address them swiftly. However, law alone is inadequate. The way we live as a people is a major factor. Can we ensure that each and every person, from the beginning of life until its natural end, will have the respect given that will ensure they know they are genuinely valued and wanted - no matter how much some may judge their quality of life to be such that they would be better off dead? That includes taking a candid look at what Deasun Breatnach wrote (An Irishman's Diary, April 9th) about the disastrous experience of our public health service he and his wife have had. Can we ask ourselves honestly: Do we not have the resources, and even more importantly, the human, social and political will, to do better? - Yours, etc.
Padraig McCarthy, Oakland, California, USA.
