Gino Kenny urges Special Oireachtas Committee on Dying with Dignity

Gino Kenny pressed the Taoiseach on the stalled Dying with Dignity Bill, demanding the establishment of a Special Oireachtas Committee to examine assisted dying. He said the House voted 81 to 71 to progress the Bill two years earlier and that progress has since stalled.

Bill history and stalled progress

The Deputy reminded the House that two years ago this House voted by 81 votes to 71 to progress the Dying with Dignity Bill. He said the subsequent lack of movement on the legislation is a derogation of a substantial issue and stressed the need to restore momentum.

Call for Special Oireachtas Committee

The Deputy argued it is imperative to implement the Justice Committee recommendation to establish a Special Oireachtas Committee to examine the issue. He pressed the Taoiseach for a commitment from the Government to constitute the committee as soon as possible to allow proper scrutiny.

Public opinion on assisted dying

The Deputy said indications are that the Irish public would support a change in the law around assisted dying. He used that point to underline the importance of giving the public and legislators a forum to examine the issue in detail.

Government response and next steps

In reply, the Taoiseach referenced the work programme and said it was a matter for the WIP and the Doyle Reform Committee in respect of facilitating the legislation at this stage. The Taoiseach indicated he would come back to the Deputy with a more comprehensive note on the way forward.