IAPC Representation

As the collective voice of palliative care professionals across Ireland, the IAPC plays a vital role in representing the interests of our members at local, national, and international levels. We actively engage with policymakers, healthcare bodies, and relevant stakeholders to advocate for high-quality, equitable palliative care services. Through informed consultation, evidence-based contributions, and collaborative partnerships, we work to ensure that palliative care remains a core component of the healthcare system and that the voices of our members are heard and valued.

IAPC Representation on the Primary Palliative Care Steering Committee

The Irish Association for Palliative Care (IAPC) is pleased to announce that Esther Beck will now represent the Association on the Primary Palliative Care Steering Committee, part of the Primary Palliative Care Programme.

This committee plays a crucial role in shaping the future of palliative care in primary care settings. Chaired by Dr. Paul Gregan—who brings dual expertise as both a GP and Palliative Care Consultant—the group brings together professionals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, including General Practice, Public Health Nursing, Community Pharmacy, Specialist Palliative Care, the All Island Institute of Palliative Care, the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), and the HSE Palliative Care Programme.

As the committee looks ahead to developing a new set of priority actions for Primary Palliative Care 2025–2029, its work will be closely aligned with the forthcoming National Adult Palliative Care Policy. In addition to guiding strategic priorities, the committee oversees the joint programme of work between the Irish Hospice Foundation and the ICGP, and continues to champion innovation and the sharing of best practice within the sector.

Esther’s appointment reflects IAPC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that diverse perspectives—including those beyond the traditional clinical lens—help shape the future of palliative care in Ireland. Her background in research and systems-focused thinking will bring valuable insight to the group’s work over the coming years.

We look forward to supporting Esther in this role and to contributing meaningfully to the committee’s important efforts.

The IAPC received an invitation to attend the Global Partners in Care Closing Dinner, held in partnership with the University of Notre Dame on May 14th 2025. Representing the IAPC board, I (Elizabeth O’Donoghue) had the honour of attending this event to highlight Palliative Care in Ireland and having the opportunity to hear about palliative care across the global partners.

Global Partners in Care is dedicated to enhancing access to hospice and palliative care worldwide. The purpose of our meeting is to explore how we can more effectively collaborate to develop and sustain palliative care globally. We will be hosting representatives from our programs in both the US and Africa, as well as leadership from other globally focused organizations who work to support palliative care development.

The organisation fosters meaningful collaboration among partnership organisations, national associations, and international networks to address critical challenges in palliative care. Through its Partnership Program and a broader network of collaborative initiatives, Global Partners in Care actively supports research, education, advocacy, and awareness efforts aimed at ensuring care reaches those in need.

At the dinner, the discussions highlighted the importance of strategic alliances in the global palliative care sector. The commitment they have to working with key stakeholders reinforces the principle that collaboration multiplies efforts rather than duplicates them. This approach is crucial in advancing hospice and palliative care accessibility, particularly in regions where resources and infrastructure may be lacking.

Representing the IAPC board at this esteemed gathering was a privilege, I felt like I was in a room with rockstars. The event reinforced the value of unity in our mission—to ensure equitable and comprehensive palliative care reaches all those who need it, regardless of age, geography or circumstance.

Global Partners in Care Homepage – Global Partners In Care

You matter until the end of your life: Dr. Una Molloy on the Role and Importance of Palliative Care

In this Disability Matters episode, Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey speak with Dr. Una Molloy, a Advanced Nurse Practitioner in palliative medicine and representative of the Irish Association for Palliative Care (IAPC). Dr. Molloy offered deep insight into what palliative care truly means and the vital role it plays in supporting people with life-limiting illnesses.

“Palliative care is about improving quality of life and it’s about really allowing people to live to their best in spite of illnesses or life-threatening illnesses or terminal illness”, said Dr. Molloy.