Oireachtas committee to outline introduction of assisted dying in Ireland

The joint Oireachtas committee on Assisted Dying is due to publish its final report.

The Government will this Wednesday, March 20, be asked to respond to the report which recommends voluntary assisted dying for those who are terminally ill.

The report from the committee, which is chaired by Michael Healy Rae TD, says assisted dying legislation should be introduced where a person is diagnosed with a disease, illness or medical condition which is incurable and irreversible, advanced, progressive and, will result in death within six months.

In the case of a neurodegenerative disease, illness or condition, it was recommended the expected time to live could be one year. The illness has to be causing suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner that the person finds tolerable.

Doctors who would want to opt out would be allowed to do so under a ‘conscience’ clause.

Anyone who believes that they may be eligible for assisted dying would need to apply, before two doctors oversee the decision and it is granted.

Mr Healy Rae has said he will put forward another minority report advocating against the introduction of assisted dying, although he rejected an accusation that he is ‘undermining’ the original report that is in favour of it.

He was among a minority in the committee who opposed it despite being the chairperson, along with Senator Ronan Mullen and Deputy Robert Troy.

However, it is the report of the overall committee which will be presented with recommendations for government action.

Several groups, including the Irish College of Psychiatrists, are against the proposed legislation.