A woman found not guilty of assisted suicide is to meet TDs today to discuss the need for new legislation in the area.

Gail O'Rorke will be joined by Tom Curran, the partner of the late Marie Fleming who went to the High Court and the Supreme Court to challenge the ban on assisted suicide.

The two will meet Independent TD John Halligan to push for new legislation to be debated.

Mr Halligan said: “It is great to have her support. We will meet TDs to try to garner some support, calling on people to at least have a debate on the legislation.”

Mr Halligan is to introduce the Dying with Dignity Bill in the Dáil in two weeks. He said there needed to be a “dignified, compassionate and thoughtful debate” on the issue.

His Bill, which was drawn up by two barristers, sets out strict criteria before an assisted suicide can take place.