Shock over leaf lets for ‘euthanasia on demand’
HOUSEHOLDERS were left stunned yesterday after leaflets offering an ‘automated’ euthanasia service were put through their letterboxes.
The circulars delivered around Clontarf on Dublin’s northside contain a guide on how potential clients can go about ending their lives using the service.
However yesterday, Tom Curran – whose partner Marie Fleming took the most significant case in Ireland on assisted suicide – dismissed the leaflets, saying: ‘ This has to be an elaborate hoax, there’s no way that this can be a legitimate company.’
The leaflets state: ‘Tranquillity is an Irish-owned company that has worked hand- i n- hand with engineers in Belgium and our team in Switzerland to develop this fully automated mobile Euthanasia Portal.
‘Tranquillity allows our clients to take that last step in life at a time of t heir choosing, i n comfortable surroundings, in dignity without fear of legal repercussion.’
Mr Curran said: ‘I don’t see what can be gained from whoever set this up, because they have gone to a great deal of effort to create this hoax.’
He believes it could be a scam to get credit card details over the phone.
He added: ‘ In the beginning, I thought this might be a teenage hoax but it seems too elaborate at this stage.’
Mr Curran also said he doubted this could be the work of an anti-euthanasia group as he said he respects their views and this seems ‘crazy’.
A spokeswoman for Dublin City Council said: ‘ As of yet, we have received no official application for this clinic. They would have another few days to get the application in or it could be in the post.’
The leaflets show various locations across Ireland where the pop-up clinic will be in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Tranquility Euthanasia claims to offer a discreet, professional and legal solution to your funeral arrangements.
The service proposes a nine- step guide on ending clients’ lives using the service.
Step seven on the leaflet states: ‘If you have been found to be a suitable candidate for our service...you may now proceed to your next step.’
The number on the leaflet goes to a voicemail that tells users to leave their name, number and email address and that someone will be in contact.
The company even goes as far as offering clients the opportunity to write a will via video link with a 24-hour online legal team in Switzerland.
A Garda spokesperson said they are now looking into the matter.
As they stand, Ireland’s euthanasia laws are some of the strictest in Europe.
Switzerland is one of the rare countries that allows for assisted suicide.
‘This has to be an elaborate hoax’