Dignity at the end of life

Good care. Clear choices. A voice for patients and families.

Dublin Real is creating a space to discuss how people with serious and terminal illness can live—and die—with dignity. Our focus is access to compassionate care, suitable hospice spaces, support for families and an informed discussion about patient choice.

Care that meets people where they are

Palliative care can support quality of life at any stage of serious illness, not only in the final days. Depending on needs and local services, care may be provided at home, in hospital or through hospice services. Ask your GP or treating team about an assessment and appropriate referral.

Hospice spaces and access

We want to explore capacity, geographic access, waiting times, respite, family facilities and the support needed to honour a person’s preferred place of care where possible. This section does not provide a live bed-availability service or arrange admissions. Specialist referrals and admissions depend on clinical assessment, triage and availability.

Recording wishes and having conversations

Discuss your priorities, symptom concerns, care preferences and questions with your healthcare team. We will develop accessible discussions about advance care planning, family conversations and the support available through illness and bereavement. Individual medical and legal decisions require appropriate professional advice.

Assisted dying: an informed policy discussion

We will examine the Irish debate about assisted dying, including euthanasia, alongside patient autonomy, disability rights, safeguards against coercion and equitable access to palliative care. Different terms describe different practices and should not be treated as interchangeable.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee’s March 2024 report recommended legislation in restricted circumstances. Recommendations are not themselves law. Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993 criminalises assisting suicide. This page does not present euthanasia or assisted dying as an available Irish treatment or offer access arrangements.

Our approach

We will distinguish established services, legislation, proposals and personal perspectives. We welcome respectful contributions from patients, carers, clinicians, disability advocates and people with differing ethical views. Nobody should feel that inadequate care, financial pressure or a sense of being a burden limits their choices.

Reliable starting points

HSE palliative care information: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/palliative-care/

HSE service finder: https://www2.hse.ie/services/palliative-care/

Oireachtas committee report and resources: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/33/assisted-dying/

Criminal Law (Suicide) Act, section 2: https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1993/act/11/section/2/enacted/en/html

Help shape the conversation

Contact info@dublinreal.com with a topic suggestion, professional contribution or an anonymised account of accessing care. Please do not send medical records or identifiable information about another person. Contacting Dublin Real does not request or secure a clinical service.

Updated 14 October 2026. General information and civic discussion; not individual medical or legal advice.