Assisted Dying Committee To Hold First Public Meeting

Tuesday, 13 June 2023 09:46

By Caoimhe Harney

Chair of the Committee Independent TD Michael Healy Rae says those on the committee have different opinions

The first public meeting of the joint Oireachtas Committee on assisted dying, the committee is expected to consider hearings for around nine months.

Already behind the scenes there have been disagreements at this committee with Senator Ronan Mullen fighting to have the name changed to the committee on assisted suicide, rather than assisted dying.

He was overruled and the first public meeting will be held at 11am this morning.

TDs and Senators will hear from Department of Justice officials and the Irish Human Rights Equality Commission.

The committee will consider expert evidence over the course of the next nine months with a view to making recommendations on whether Ireland should allow people to end their lives in certain situations, such as those who have a fatal illness.

There are strongly held views on both sides, with some politicians believing people should have a right to choose in certain circumstances, and some fearing it devalues life and people may be pressured into assisted dying rather than being a burden on their families.

Chair of the Committee Independent TD Michael Healy Rae says those on the committee have different opinions:

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