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Yes.

I was going to ask about the pilot process, but Rhoda Grant just covered that. I note that the consenting task group was established in November 2022 and met nine times in 2023, and it seems to have met only in May this year—that is all that is on the Government website. Is that because the work on the draft consenting pilot process is under way and, until you evaluate that, further meetings are not needed in 2024? What is the plan?

That is interesting. We are not human rights experts; obviously, that is why you are here today to help us. In addition to the other human rights aspects of the bill, I am interested in hearing your thoughts on the information collection and review provisions. Are they drafted in such a way that they would ensure effective on-going monitoring of human rights compliance? If not, how should they be strengthened?

I am sure that we will have more questions on that. You also mentioned disability, and concerns have been raised about that.

I would be happy to hear from other panel members if they want to come in.

Thank you.

I have a couple of questions on the human rights issues that are related to the bill. The committee’s briefing papers provide information on the European convention on human rights, article 2 of which is titled, “Right to life”. Article 8 is titled, “Right to respect for private and family life” and article 14 is titled, “Prohibition of discrimination”. In the context of human rights, does the bill contain sufficient protections for vulnerable groups? If you have concerns, what could be done to address those?

Before Linda Towers comes in, I note that our briefing says:

“The Bill contains requirements on information collection, annual reporting and a general review of the legislation after five years. However, it is not clear if this is sufficient to meet human rights requirements.”

If we are talking about setting up a review body or an expert panel to look at assessment of figures and data gathering, is that a challenge in terms of monitoring and evaluating if the legislation comes into place?

Good evening to you both, and thank you for being here. I am just going to pick up on issues with regard to the training and education required—and I am speaking not just in terms of training to identify coercion, but training in general. Can you say a little bit about what has been set up in that respect?

One issue that came up last week was that the bill in Scotland just refers to a “registered medical practitioner”, which could mean foundation year 2 doctors all the way through to consultants. Can you tell us about your process in Canada with regard to education and training? That question is for Dr Green first, I suppose, or perhaps Dr Coelho.

I have just had a thought that takes me back to the participating physicians. Is there any data on how long these physicians have been practising? In the proposed legislation, doctors whom we would consider as being junior could be making the choice whether to assist somebody at the end of their life. I am thinking, too, about medical practitioners such as nurses, pharmacists and doctors who might feel coerced into providing support when they might want to conscientiously object. Do you have data on that?

Okay—thanks. I will leave it there, convener, as I am conscious of time.