Sir, – Now that a not guilty verdict has been returned in the Gail O'Rorke case, let's have some action from the Dáil to prevent a repetition of this case ("Not guilty of helping friend take her own life", Opinion & Analysis, April 28th).
Suicide is not illegal, so what we need is legislation in place to enable our fellow citizens to help a person who wishes to pass peacefully from this world – but is too ill or disabled to act for themselves.
Of course safeguards need to be put in place in any such legislation, and effective models are available in other jurisdictions to assist in providing such safeguards. – Yours, etc,
HARRY McCAULEY,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – I welcome the acquittal of Gail O’Rourke. But I hope this case will not result in a knee-jerk reaction.
Rather than offering a mixed message on the issue of suicide, surely what is required is enhanced palliative care service for all our terminally ill, to support them and their families at this difficult time. – Yours, etc,
FRANK BROWNE,
Dublin 16.