The 2020 Programme for Government commits to publishing a new Palliative Care Policy for Adults to update the existing policy from 2001. This will reflect the many developments in end-of life care and international best practice. The new policy will take account of the projected increase in Irelands older population and an increase in the number of people with life limiting conditions which would benefit from palliative care.

The Department of Health has conducted a public consultation and has commissioned two preparatory reports in preparation for the new policy. These can be accessed here.

• National palliative care policies in four countries: An evidence brief
• Review of the implementation of the report of the 2001 National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care
• Report on the Department of Health’s Public Consultation for the Palliative Care Policy for Adults