A mother is seeking High Court orders which would effectively result in the death of her daughter, 28, who has been in a vegetative state for almost 10 years.

High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly said on Tuesday, if the mother proceeded, that it raised “fundamental” medical, legal and ethical issues in wardship proceedings concerning the daughter.

The mother, and the daughter’s stepfather, had told the HSE they believed the treatment being provided to her daughter at a specialist unit should end.

Because the treatment includes nutrition and hydration, provided by peg tube, that would bring about the early death of the daughter, the judge said.

The mother and stepfather sought to be appointed as the committee to represent the woman’s interests in the wardship proceedings. The Judge said this would create a “very unusual” situation because the committee’s role is to seek what is in the best interests of the ward, whereas they would be seeking to bring about her early death. He opted instead to appoint Patricia Hickey, general solicitor for wards of court.

The judge said the mother may proceed with an application to end her daughter’s current treatment but added that it was not clear the stepfather has any rights in relation to such an application.